Leaders, how about you walk the talk first?

 

This week, there have been many reports of suicides. It is evident that people are going hungry and losing their homes. Many are seeking aid; some are cashing out whatever savings and provident funds they have left; and everyone is screaming for help.

Billions have already been spent on procuring vaccines although only about 10% of the population have been inoculated.

We are in a state of multiple catastrophes without precedent, where the economy is crumbling and there is a crisis of basic necessities such as food, health and security.

Malaysia needs sterling leadership, now.

We are in desperate want of real leaders who can help us navigate the complexities of the choppy waters we find ourselves in.

As a nation, we just cannot afford to fail. So, leaders have to rise up to the occasion, and make a difference in the life of every citizen.

But instead, what are we getting?

Malaysians are being treated to a slew of questionable and dodgy behaviour by our leaders.

The latest in a long line of gaffes is that our esteemed economics minister got caught on camera, having a leisurely meal in a café, in his constituency. It seems he’s now being “investigated” by the authorities.

As a restaurateur myself, please pardon the pun, this episode left a bad taste in my mouth.

While our borders remain closed for us ordinary folk, a former high-profile minister and a prominent member of parliament, “accidentally” blurted out that he was going overseas for two months, on holiday.

After realising his faux pax, he clarified that he was “only” going to enrol his child at school in Europe. How very nice for them. But it doesn’t give Malaysians any confidence in the state of the nation, does it?

Earlier this year, we got news that a deputy minister had gone AWOL for an extended period of time while visiting his family in another country. And he did this while people in his constituency were reeling from the aftermath of severe floods, and even then, international travel was forbidden.

We also saw clips of a former prime minister casually walk into a restaurant without checking in or following the rules. And a deputy minister, in charge of health no less, flaunting the prescribed SOPs for congregation.

The former PM was fined RM3,000 and the deputy minister a paltry RM1,000.

These are negligible fines, especially for the former strongman of the country. RM3,000 is possibly only chump-change for someone allegedly with access to extreme wealth.

Just a few days ago, a video of the deputy speaker of the lower house of parliament and a whole host of his pals having a durian party, surfaced. Once again, the rules don’t apply to the high and mighty.

It is quite astounding that these chaps think there is one rule for the masses, and another one for them.

And when they get caught, the say sorry, pay the meagre fines and post their admission on social media to show how magnanimous they are.

But when ordinary folks even slightly transgress these SOPs, they get fined exorbitant amounts.

This week, a local business owner in my neighbourhood, got fined RM25,000 because one of his staff wasn’t able to produce proof of a recent Covid-19 test.

Actually, as a business owner myself, this so-called rule wasn’t communicated to us by the authorities.

In May, when we were all told to get approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry before we could operate, this instruction wasn’t given to us as a condition of being open.

This is injustice of the highest order, when these “little Napoleons” issue compounds willy-nilly, without compassion or context.

It seems that the last thing in any leader’s mind at the moment is on how to regain control of this pandemic and help Malaysians return to normalcy. It seems to all centre around their personal, political and fanciful needs.

Right now, we need leaders who put people first, and show us the way

When you lead by example, you create a picture of what’s possible. People can look at you and say, “Well, if he can do it, I can do it, too.”

Don’t our leaders understand that you make it easy for others to follow you, when you walk the talk.

Leadership only succeeds when it shows others how to push themselves to greatness, or in our case, to sacrifice, to be prudent, and to be mindful of the circumstances of the nation.

True leaders do not whip their people from the back of the pack, but stand up-front and are visionaries. Ultimately people only follow those they trust. And trust is built when you lead by example.

If I may, I’d like to share some ideas with our leaders on how to inspire us.

You need to get your hands dirty. Do the work and know your trade. You must have an in-depth understanding of your role; the state of the nation; and what people need.

It is your duty to work alongside the voters. Get to the ground and do some work, please.

Help people who need food, aid, and be available to counsel and take on their problems. Don’t sit in your ivory towers, aloof to the real needs of people.

Next, watch what you say.

We all know that actions speak louder than words, but words can have a direct impact on morale.

For heaven’s sake, be mindful of what you say, and to whom you say it. Because during lockdown, we are all listening really carefully to whatever you’re saying.

Show the people who put you there, that you can be trusted to come to their aid when they need it most.

You want us to listen to you? Do the same with us.

Listen to the people. Don’t be consumed with just providing directives, and giving orders.

A sign of good leadership is knowing that you don’t know everything. Listen and get feedback from your fellow Malaysians, regularly. And then lead us.

So, why can’t you all just lead properly by example? - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT,