Leaders should be wary of pengampu (apple-polishers) and learn from the tale of the emperor with no clothes.

This is the advice recently sacked cabinet member Mohd Shafie Apdal has for leaders who are "mad for praises".

"Such leaders will be surrounded with sycophants, and they are confused between ampu (flattery) and loyalty," he told Bentong Umno delegates at the division's annual general meeting today.

"Sycophants are liars, whereas those who are loyal hold on to the right principles. Being loyal to the truth is the true form of loyalty."

Shafie, who is also one of three Umno vice-presidents, added that sycophants only have eyes for position and standing.

The Semporna MP did not name names today but his advice seemed to be directed at a particular leader.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had purged those who were found to be critical of his administration from the cabinet last month. This included Shafie himself, as well as former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Shafie then cited the famous children's tale The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen, which he said was an old tale that was still relevant today.

The naked truth

He said if every act of criticism is branded as menderhaka (treachery), then leaders will lose their followers.

"Even during the Prophet's time and the time of the rightful Caliphs, all of them were open to criticisms.

"When those who are honest start to leave the leaders, those left are only the apple-polishers.

"And their advice is not based on the reality but motivated to protect their interests," he said.

Meanwhile, Shafie believes that the world of leadership needed the kind of honesty displayed by the child in the story.

"Only those who do not rely their livelihoods on leaders can voice out the truth without fear. Reprimanding (leaders) is not due to hate, but due to love.

"The price of honesty is expensive, but it is needed to safeguard the 'king's' dignity so that he does not appear in front of his supporters without clothes.

"Also, so that those below the leaders will not continue to suffer as a result of apple-polishers who continue to do so," said Shafie.

Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob who was also present today, later commended Shafie's advice.

"It's a very apt and thoughtful advice," said Adnan who is also Umno Bentong division chief.

"We should heed them as it is a very since and truthful speech. God willing, we will use it as guidance.