Campaigning for the Malaysian 13th general election has begun as we see party flags flying in various villages. We also see the mat rempit and the police outriders with party flags. Ironically, my friends and I are contemplating starting Parti Lalang this coming elections as we have become rather disillusioned and have lost heart with the present politicians.
Looking objectively at all the parties, we don’t know which one to vote for as all of them seem as equally corrupt, with people moving from one party to another and carrying their values with them.
We are simple ordinary Malaysians who just want good leaders. Our country has TalentCorp but what we genuinely suffer from is a dearth of good leadership in our political, economic, social and religious sectors.
Leaders who are visionaries with good values and morals. Leaders who are capable of correcting the fiscal and structural flaws in our young country of 50 years in order that we can build a better future for the next generations. Leaders who are strategic and caring.
In my early days of employment, I worked under such a leader who was prepared to mentor, groom and grow the gifts of each person regardless of race, religion, creed or socio-economic standing.
Who took a personal interest in each person, knew what each employee did and valued his/her contribution. She was not a user or manipulator for personal gain but sought to develop the person and the company.
She had a vision and job scope and was prepared to serve the company and to meet the marketing targets in a professional and honourable manner. She appraised the employees on merit and did not discriminate.
Sadly, the old guard in the company felt that this new development was a threat and wanted to tighten their grasp on power, wealth and influence in the patriarchal tribal system in order to achieve their personal goals.
The old guard ruled by fear and favour. As a result, the remaining employees continued to pander to their needs and wants and remained insecure. They continued to do the same thing year in and out.
The employees did not live in freedom, happiness and thrive. Consequently, the company continues to plod along in the same vein, using the same ploys and systems to recruit, hire and manipulate the employees for personal profit. This I fear may be endemic of our nation.
We are amazed at the kind of fact and fiction being disseminated today by our leaders. As a result, we are contemplating starting Parti Lalang. After all, what is there to lose since the grandmother Maimun Yusof, 89-years-old in the last election, was quite pivotal in the Kuala Terengganu seat.
In the same breath, we wonder whether it is worth it to lose our deposit, lose hope and faith in the current batch of representatives. As my friend says, “Amongst the bad there are the good; let us prayerfully select and vote the good ones in.” As Albert Einstein says, “An empty stomach is not a good political adviser.”
Rise up Malaysians and vote with your mind and heart, not with your stomach.
