I support the call for the newly sworn-in PM to take responsibility for the disastrous result in the 2008 election and to offer his resignation. It is then up to Umno to decide whether to accept his resignation or not . The example set by the former CM of Penang, Dr. Koh to offer his resignation but rejected by his party is the one that the country needs to emulate in our understanding of basic leadership privilege and responsibility.

The Umno head has his supreme council members to discuss, brainstorm and deliberate on matters (of course, with unlimited access to all experts and consultants) and to come up with a good decision. But once a decision is made , it is clear that the responsibility and accountability of the outcome rest with him as head. The Umno head is not one amongst equal in the supreme council and therefore carries the privilege and responsibility of leading.

The PM’s vague grasp of the above concept has left the country in confusion and frustration . His ministers also play the game of follow the leader and do not accept responsibility for the ills of their ministries. Likewise heads of department follow their ministers.

As a result countless committees and commissions are formed but in the meanwhile the problems remain and no one takes responsibility! Until today , we do not know who is responsible for handling the worsening traffic jams in the Klang Valley. Is it any surprise tBN is rejected by the people ?

We must press the message that whilst the PM, ministers, head of departments and mayors of cities have the privilege to lead (and of course the perks that go with it), they must also be responsible for the outcome of their performance.

And not attribute it to the committee they chair and lead. If a bungle is made, they must offer to resign.