All is not well with our government if nine non-Muslims cabinet ministers have to send a memorandum to their chief to amend the federal constitution with regards to the separation of the civil and syariah jurisdiction in this country. One would expect that the country's highest executive body, which meets every Wednesday, would thrash out all problems behind closed doors and be united in public.

Whatever it is, under the previous regime, no cabinet minister would dare to go against the chief then. They were all obedient to the letter knowing very well what fate would befall them if they dare to go against the tide.

Either the current prime minister is weak in handling his cabinet or the cabinet is not a good place to discuss sensitive issues. The withdrawing of the memorandum after a storm of protest by other Umno ministers and their ardent supporters, shows that the concept of unity in diversity is hollow here with people still clinging to their race and religion when sensitive issues are discussed.

One cannot dismiss the possibility that the whole episode was orchestrated to rally support for the oldest Malay party. Or it could be a sideshow to stop people from talking about abuse of power and corruption by the high and mighty. Whatever it is, there is a crack in the cabinet with regards to ministers who don't seem to know that if you cannot agree, then the best option is to resign as a sign of protest against any decision which affects your conscience.

Being a good leader means pissing people off. Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity. You avoid tough decisions, and you avoid confronting people who need to be confronted.

So Pak Lah, act tough now and be a real leader who commands respect by walking the talk and doing the necessary to win the voters' hearts and minds. No point being a nice guy if people step on your head now and then.