What it takes for some leadership around here? Common sense

Sultan of Johor, Tuanku Ibrahim Iskandar decrees that state government must stop vape from being sold and tells all Malaysians to join others in their respective religious and cultural festivals. – Facebook pic, December 23, 2015.

What does it take to capture the imagination and goodwill of Malaysians? What does it take for some leadership around here? Nothing much but common sense and of late, one man has been doing just that.

That man is the Sultan of Johor, Tuanku Ibrahim Iskandar, who in the past month took charge in a space where one would expect political and community leaders would hold sway.

The Johor sultan decreed that the state government should stop e-cigarettes or vape from being sold in the state, and also said that all Malaysians, including Muslims, should join others in their respective religious and cultural festivals.

That's common sense right there.

Particularly at a time when there are people of influence who think there is nothing wrong with vaping as it is just a business opportunity and religious leaders who have issues with festivals by people of other faiths.

Those sentiments have encouraged the proliferation of vape stores, and sales to those below the age of 18, the limit set by the Health Ministry for tobacco and alcohol sales in Malaysia.

Also, inter-faith ties have soured off late due to intolerance shown by some in a country that used to advertise itself as a multiracial and multi-religious country where everyone coexists in peace and harmony.

See, in an ordinary world, what the Johor ruler said or decreed should not even be an uncommon statement.

But in Malaysia, it is and a welcome relief due to a lack of such sentiments being expressed by those who claim to be the country's leaders or religious administrators.

“It used to be the norm. Now it needs reminder by a royal. Thanks Tuanku,” filmmaker Pete Teo said in a Facebook posting, when commenting on the Johor sultan's exhortation for Malaysians to join each other's religious festivals.

“What a Sultan. His Highness really deserves praises for humanity and the shouldering social responsibilities with cool common sense,” Ranendra Bhattarcharyya posted on Facebook.

Yes, the Malaysian social media is awash with compliments for the Johor ruler for his insights into issues raging in Malaysia. For the simple reason that others who are normally vocal on issues are silent about vaping or inter-faith ties.

All we get are stock standard replies, the obligatory festive greetings and let's celebrate together as Malaysians. But silence when some try to sow discord among Malaysians.

Malaysia and Malaysians need leadership and for now, the royalty – especially the Johor royal house – is stepping up to the plate to say what needs to be said for a better Malaysia.

One would expect those who promise so much on the stump to take this as part of their responsibilities instead of remaining mute in the face of issues that affect our health and well-being.

Perhaps we expect too much from people who can only give so little back. We need to go elsewhere for some common sense and leadership, and thankfully, one sultan is showing the way.

* Jahabar Sadiq runs The Malaysian Insider.