I find it odd Malaysians in general and politicians in particular like to talk about ‘karma’, ‘God ordained’, ‘divine intervention’, and to harp on one’s past when discussing national issues.

Each time when we are faced with a tough situation, we just simply come up with a short justification or explanation by using one of those terms above.

When Dr Mahathir Mohamad couldn’t face certain protracted issues when he first started out as a politician, he put the blame on the British and our colonial past. How the ‘divide and rule’, marginalisation and exploitation have caused ills to the Malays and the country.

Now the country is in predicament again and what could be more convenient than to blame Mahathir. Our corruption, malfeasance, mismanagement, and breaking down of institutions were all due to Mahathir. Instead of solving our problems, we are busy finding who else to blame.

I believe not very far into the future, we will be blaming the present PM again if our present problems are not resolved quickly by then.

Our present problems require our ‘down-to-earth’ and professional solutions, not blames. In management, we always tell our people to look for solutions not blame game. But why is it that when it come to national issues, we act differently?

When Mahathir acted in certain manner now, we must realise that his position and circumstances have changed. Why can’t we second guess his concerns and anxiety for this nation instead of attributing everything to his ‘karma’?

I believe all of us could still vividly remember Samy Vellu’s infamous ‘Act of God’ explanation on natural disasters. What an eloquent and succinct way to evade responsibility and to account to the people.

Today we similarly use terms like ‘divine intervention’ and ‘God ordained’ to evade responsibility and to justify untenable events or decisions.

When a leader is ‘God ordained’, how do we hold him to account? He is no difference from the emperor of a bygone era governing the country with a ‘mandate’ from heaven. He must go on until the whole nation suffered and the empire caved in.

When malfeasance and intractable events are explained in terms of ‘divine intervention’, there will be no need for accountability. All events are wills of God; the leaders play no part of it.

Which part do we not understand when I say worldly problems require worldly solution? We need to solve our problems here and now, not waiting for some divine revelation. Malfeasance and crimes need to be tackled and punished now, not waiting for karma or some divine retribution.