LETTER | Most leaders, whether in Malaysia or developed countries, seemed to have the wrong notion that a good leader is a popular leader. This is certainly a misconceived idea harboured by leaders who lack good principles and good idea of governance.

A leader can easily win the popularity contest by merely pampering to the whims and fancies of the electorate. As a leader of the country, any largess given to the people freely and without weighing the consequences is something not difficult to do, considering the resources that are available to him.

Pampering to the demands of the people is not difficult to achieve. But a resolute leader who dares to go against the tide of public opinion, knowing that what he does is right, may not win public support, but in the long run, the virtue of his decision to do the right thing will be his memorable legacy.

When Bersatu's vice-president Rashid Abdul Rahman urged the party to use government's resources so that Pakatan Harapan could win the next election "by hook or by crook", he received a standing ovation for his statement.

This response only serves to confirm that Umno's old practice is still alive in the Bersatu members' psyche. The only saving grace was that Bersatu Youth came out to rebuke such a practice.

What is most disappointing was that Bersatu leaders did not reprimand Rashid for making such a statement. Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was most disappointing: he has clearly shown his lack of leadership by trying to play safe with only a lukewarm response.

Two other issues that did not get a proper response from Mahathir was the ratification of Icerd and the implementation of local elections. Both issues need strong political will and strong leadership but, sadly, on both counts, Mahathir lacked them.

Malaysians can only now hope that after Mahathir's two-year period is over, there will be a renewed hope for reform and change instituted by the new prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. For now, any hope of reform has diminished and most likely will not be implemented under Mahathir's tenure.