Wanted – leaders to pull Malaysia out of the rut

 

Decades of a predominantly Malay power structure have forced Malaysia to its knees. We had men and women who, when they were in position of influence, preferred to keep quiet about corruption, injustice and racism. Heads of departments, media moguls, industry champions, academics and ministers included

The reason for their silence? Being vocal would have broken their rice bowl and severed their umbilical cord to the senior politicians who would have smoothed their way up the greasy pole of success. They did not want to scupper their chance to advance their careers, or the promise of promotion.

So they traded their conscience for the temporary pursuit of power and the glory of their positions. Today, the mess Malaysia is in is the consequence of their chosen path of silence.

Their voices would have carried a lot of weight then. If they had the courage of their convictions, others would have followed their example. Imagine the impact if an entire Cabinet or the heads of important departments resigned en masse.

What is a prime minister without his Cabinet? Just another politician. What is a village head if villagers reject his leadership? Just an ordinary villager. That sort of silent resistance of the masses would have sent a powerful message.

Sadly, after decades of underperformance, of bog-standard education, of lost human values, and a directionless community, many of the formerly silent voices have decided to wake up from their coma. Perhaps, it is better late than never.

We don’t have leaders, we have people who by dint of birth, or by virtue of their position in society – or politics – think that only they know best. All that must end.

We have geriatrics fighting among themselves to gain control of the nation. They are so consumed with power that they deter younger Malaysians who possess a more multiracial vision of the country to prosper.

We have men who invoke the name of God and are able to convince people that only God, and more religion, will resolve the country’s problems. No, it does not work that way. These religious leaders are wrong, but what is baffling is how their flock act like sheep and hang onto their every word.

Politicians in Putrajaya try their best to divide the nation, but from what we can see on the ground, people of all races are helping one another, irrespective of their leaders’ racial rhetoric.

We have some men who prefer to help the people of faraway nations. Take the Baling MP and his “humanitarian” trip to assist the Palestinians. Is he aware of the plight of the Yemenis, in the south of the Arabian peninsula? The starving Yemeni children and the Yemeni people need help, too. No one is saying don’t help the Palestinians, but don’t forget your own people.

Our greatest problem has been the poor education system where our children are not allowed to be critical, to show curiosity and be creative, or to think constructively.

The herd mentality and “yes men” have destroyed generations of Malaysians. We have stunted the potential of many Malaysian children, and denied equal opportunities to others, which means that we have lost many talented people, who found that going overseas was the only way they could realise their ambitions. Today, this does not only apply to non-Malays.

The country is at breaking point. Malaysia needs new blood and a younger, more creative, more critical group of individuals to steer it back on the right path. Are you the leader Malaysia is looking for? - FMT

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