I do not know Salahuddin Ayub personally. I have never attended any of his ceramah or official functions as a minister.
Although I have seen him a few times in the hallway or the cafeteria in Parliament, I have never even had a “hello or goodbye” moment with him.
So, I know next to nothing about the man or the politician who is Salahuddin. The little that I know is what I’ve read in the media like everybody else.
However, that does not mean I cannot form an opinion about a public figure even if he shies away from the limelight.
Chances are, if you hear 10 people say the same thing about a person, their opinions could not be way off.
I agree with those who spoke fondly of Salahuddin, for he has struck me as a humble, clean, honest, hardworking politician and minister.
Somehow, without even meeting the man, you can believe that he is one exemplary political leader; one who upholds high ethical standards in his actions and decisions.
You can believe Salahuddin is a politician committed to serving the greater societal good and guided by principles rather than personal gain.
Like many, I was saddened to hear of Salahuddin’s sudden health issue.
As he is now recovering from a brain surgery, I join many of those who know or do not know him personally a speedy return to good health and we hope to see him back at work soon.
What prompted me to write this piece about a politician whom I don’t even know is the outpouring of accolades and good wishes for Salahuddin from Malaysiakini readers.
As I write this, there are more than 50 posts from readers with 100 percent positive comments for the minister.
Not a single soul who bothered to post has anything negative to say. This is the level of respect, affection, and public esteem for Salahuddin.
Let me share what some readers have to say just to illustrate the degree of support and respect for the minister. I will comment where necessary.
“A good upright man. He must pull through for the sake of his family and the nation”.
“Get well soon YB. Well-respected YB in Malaysia”.
“One of the best ministers in the government. Wishing him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery”.
This is true. The domestic trade and cost of living minister is regarded as one of the “performing” ministers in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s cabinet.
“Praying for your speedy recovery. You are a great politician and MP. Smart and moderate and always speak intelligently”.
Correct. Salahuddin is a non-controversial figure. Like all his party colleagues, the Amanah deputy president is moderate and has publicly abhorred religious extremism.
“Get well soon, minister. Good people like you are badly needed to stop the nation from declining further”.
“Decent, hardworking and humble chap. Met him once when we were on the same flight to KL. He was in the opposition then. Chiefly because of my personal interaction with him, I have a good impression of Amanah”.
“Oh no! My sincere prayers for a speedy recovery. A very well respected, progressive, intelligent, hardworking and caring person. Definitely one of my favourite Amanah MPs”.
“Although I'm pro-PN (Perikatan Nasional), I'll pray for your Kesembuhan YB. Amin”.
This is a great measure of respect when your political adversary even wishes you well and prays for you. I believe this is written with sincerity.
“A man of very high principles and unquestionable integrity. Even all the Malaysiakini comments are outpouring their tributes to this man. Get well soon sir. We are all praying for your speedy recovery”.
This says it all.
Limelight unnecessary
There is a great lesson to be learnt here. To earn public respect and adulation, a politician or minister does not have to be in the spotlight all the time.
A diligent, effective minister can work on the quiet as well, and his performance will also be duly recognised.
Those politicians who crave the limelight all the time, enjoy courting controversy and misbehave to garner public attention will be frowned upon and detested by the people.
I am sure there are many politicians who could take a cue from Salahuddin on how to be an exemplary political leader and look further away from their own self and personal interests.
A true leader in the mould of Salahuddin knows that he should never focus on short-term gains or popularity but work earnestly with his team to strengthen democratic processes and protect democratic values.
Ultimately, an exemplary political leader is a servant to the people, driven by a genuine desire to improve the lives of those they represent and positively impact society.
Salahuddin is relatively young at 61. I believe Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, who is seven years older at 68, is grooming him to be his successor.
In any event, I think Salahuddin should be happy and contented to serve a full ministerial term in the Madani government.
Indeed, a man of such intelligence and integrity as Salahuddin will choose health and family over politics and a ministerial position at the appropriate.
To the minister, again, get well soon and I hope to see you back in your ministry soonest. - Mkini
FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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