A leader without knowledge misleads, Harapan candidate warns

SG BAKAP BY-ELECTION | Pakatan Harapan's candidate for Sungai Bakap, Joohari Ariffin, has warned that an uneducated leader could lead people astray.

He stressed that political leaders need good character and knowledge to be effective.

"Among the traits of a leader, knowledge is crucial. When they have good character, the next important thing is knowledge.

"Without knowledge, a leader could mislead people. People aren't stupid, but they are ignorant, so we must teach them until they are smart," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian today.

Joohari (above) was responding to Perikatan Nasional election director Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's statement on Saturday claiming that academic qualifications do not guarantee a politician's success.

Sanusi pointed out that many successful politicians in Malaysia do not have high academic qualifications but still deliver excellent service to the public.

This came after questions emerged about PN candidate Abidin Ismail's academic background which has not been listed in campaign material.

Instead, he was touted as possessing an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certificate - which he has since said was a "little mistake".

In comparison, Joohari is a former teacher with a PhD in management and educational leadership from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

‘Trusted profession’

Joohari believes his teaching background gives him an advantage, as the profession is highly trusted worldwide.

"Teaching is the second most trusted profession in the world after doctors. So when people trust you, don't deceive them, and the same goes for politicians.

"I am confident the voters in Sungai Bakap will make the best considerations in choosing their representative," he said.

Joohari and Abidin are competing in a straight fight for the Sungai Bakap state seat. Polling for the by-election is on July 6.

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