Smart, visionary leaders committed to mindset change the way forward in Malaysian politics

It is good to note that there are diverse views and debates as to how the Malaysian political scene can bring about a “new Malaysia”.

Former Malaysian diplomat, Dennis Ignatius, had called for older politicians to step aside and make way for younger leaders.

On the other hand, academician Prof Dr Tajuddin Rasdi is of the opinion that “New Malaysia can only come about through the painful birth process of a transition between old and young leaders, as well as Muslim versus Malaysian, leadership”.

Reading Tajuddin’s opinion in a Malaysian daily, he seems to suggest that political changes in the country cannot be achieved if “Malay sensitives” are not addressed.

He gave various examples, which apparently had not gone down well with the Malays – such as the Rome Statute issue – and had brought about the downfall of Pakatan Harapan (PH).

I would opine that the main reason PH fell was because of poor leadership, due to the weak structure within PH itself.

If PH had strong and cohesive leadership, dealing with issues like the Rome Statute and others, would have been a cakewalk.

Tajuddin seems to argue that only someone with “Malay and Muslim credentials” can “change” Malaysia and the Malays.

Under the current political circumstances, only a Malay Muslim can rise to the highest position in this country. That’s a given.

However, when you talk about creating a “new Malaysia”, there are several important factors to consider – other than a Malay Muslim leader.

Firstly, what kind of new Malaysia do you have in mind? Something that is “more Malay and more Islamic”? Whatever that means.

The notion of what kind of “Malay-ness” and what kind of Islam you want to create in the country is important.

This, therefore, will depend on the second factor – the quality of the leader itself.

If the leader is a political animal, we cannot expect substantial changes in society because he may end up being a populist, and a chameleon.

He may not have the moral courage, intellectual strength, and the political will to bring about radical changes needed to move the country forward and improve the people’s general wellbeing in the long run.

A Malay Muslim leader, who is going to forever pander to the so called “Malay Muslim sensitivities” for political expediency, will not bring about a much awaited “new Malaysia”.

Thirdly, we need a Malay Muslim leader with a true vision (and not one who copies someone else’s) which he believes is good for the country.

So, you need someone with brains, not just the academically qualified.

Of course, you will have advisors around you, but you must have the ability to look at things from different perspectives, possess macro-level thinking, even be prophetic, to a certain extent.

For this to happen, one must be a thinker, and as multi-knowledgeable as possible, and humble enough to learn as he/she leads.

I am fully aware and accept that pragmatically, the majority of the polity is Malay Muslim, and hence, you can manipulate them for power’s sake.

However, I am more concerned with the true wellbeing of the nation (the majority included).

Hence, to create a new Malaysia, the majority of the polity needs to be educated.

We have to go for mindset change and recognise leaders who will embark on that change.

We have to recognise the Malay Muslim leaders who want to free the Malay Muslims and other citizens from the shackles of political trickery shrouded in ethnicity and religion.

These are the much-needed characteristics of a Malaysian leader who will make Malaysia great, and its citizens grateful and proud.

Originally appeared in TwentyTwo13

Know the duties of your MPs.

By Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.

WHEN the image of disruptive antics of some of the members of Parliament floods the mind, it is possible to overlook the important role that MPs play in a democracy like ours.

In our democracy, the Constitution is the supreme law of the nation. It decides how our government is supposed to run and sets out the roles of the executive, legislative, judiciary and the Agong.

The Malaysian Parliament is made up of Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. During the general elections, we elect 222 MPs to the Dewan Rakyat as our representatives. Currently, we have the 14th Parliament in session which means that this Parliament is made of the MPs who were elected in the past 14th General Election. What are their roles in our democracy?

The most important role of the MPs is their legislative powers. They have the power to make the necessary laws for peace, order, development, good governance, education, national harmony, the environment and so on.

In short, all those laws that affect every aspect of our life in the country is made and passed by the majority of the MPs. This is a very important role because the kind of laws that are made will not only affect the development of the country but will impact directly on the quality of life of the citizen.

Please continue reading it by clicking on the link here ---> Through Many Windows.

Managing the rakyat’s frustrations.

A PERSON’s capabilities are only seen during times of crisis. The same is true for political leadership.

We do not say that a leader is great because he spends on grandiose projects using the taxpayer’s money to carve out his legacy. We only consider him great when he allocates the country’s resources wisely and thriftily to increase the general welfare of the people.

And when he spends the money to increase the number of educated citizens, in terms of thinking abilities, skills, citizenry, compassionate and humanitarian values, and ensures that every citizen who wants has access to free education up to the tertiary level.

A leader is loved when he strives to raise the dignity of the average citizen regardless of ethnicity, religion or social class. When he allocates budget to ensure that every citizen has access to affordable healthcare, housing, sustainable transportation facilities, employment opportunities, and the basic amenities required to live a life with dignity.

At the end of the day, the budget comes from the rakyat in terms of the taxes that he pays and the national debt that he and the future generation have to carry. It is not the personal resources of the leaders to do as they wish or to enrich themselves and their cronies by carving out the budget among themselves,

Continue reading by clicking on this link The Star/Through Many Windows

The compassionate face of Islam

MUSLIMS should welcome the announcement by Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious affairs, that it will be the government’s policy to promote compassionate Islam.

Actually, I believe there is only an “Islam” whose teachings are primarily compassionate, a blessing and merciful. Anyone who reads the Quran will know that it describes itself as a “healing and a mercy to those who believe” (Al Isra (17) verse 82).

In fact, the Holy Prophet Muhammad himself is described in the Quran as rahmatan lil Alamiin for the whole world and the creations (Al Anbiya (21): verse 107).

Essentially, rahmah means love or affection and is often understood to mean the love of God for mankind and His creations where He has provided everything they need to develop and live on this earth. In other words, the Quran guides mankind to understand and appreciate this rahmah through its guidance.



Dr Mujahid also pointed out the use of state resources to confront “public sins” and “private sins” to show, I believe, that any use of religious enforcement powers must be tampered with common sense and compassion.

I believe real scholars of Islam know that there is an abundance of literature that discourages the deliberate attempt to expose private sins.

For reasons which I cannot understand, Dr Mujahid has been exposed to irrelevant criticisms by some Muslim religious experts implicit within which is the assumption that he is ignorant of the discourse in these matters.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/through-many-windows/2018/10/14/the-compassionate-face-of-islam-it-should-never-be-the-states-role-to-merely-punish-the-offender-or#yJmObO1TVuz0wQfl.99

Rest in Peace YB Karpal Singh, the Tiger of Jelutong

Words always do not come easy to express what one feels when he hears news of the death of someone he knows well and respects.

I have known YB Karpal since very young and so does my family. My sister what's app me thus:

"I am feeling very sad. I know Karpal as a brother who used to bring lunch everyday for me and his wife Gurmit in the Penang library". I whatsapped her back:

"His time has come and we can only wish his soul the best as God pleases. He passed away in the course of duty - not many get that opportunity at his age - he's lucky".

I have always had the utmost respect for him as a lawyer . The case laws are evident of his contribution to the development  of law in the country. Though I may not agree with some of his politics, nevertheless I have respect for his sincere commitment to his politics - there are not many politicians like that around in this country or in the world.

He is a brave soul who speaks his mind and an extremely hardworking man - both in law and in politics. I have always known him to be kind in my dealings with him.  Only "regret" I have is that we never got about to do a talk show with him on "Rapera" because of our respective busy schedules.

His contribution in national politics is immense that he should be awarded a national award posthumously - this will speak well of incumbent politicians' maturity.

My deepest condolences to his family and may whatever good he had sought for be continued.

Peace !

Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela

A great leader has walked on earth and has passed away on 5th December 2013 at age 95. Without doubt he is an excellent personification of a Rapera.

CNN writes:

"(CNN) -- Freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.

That was Nelson Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead his country out of decades of apartheid.

He died Thursday night at age 95.

His message of reconciliation, not vengeance, inspired the world after he negotiated a peaceful end to segregation and urged forgiveness for the white government that imprisoned him.

"As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison," Mandela said after he was freed in 1990".

Peace !

Boleh Kah Pemimpin Bangsawan Faham Nadi Rakyat Biasa?

Mengapa orang nak masuk politik - untuk kuasa dan kekayaan atau untuk berkhidmat kepada Rakyat?

Boleh kah mereka yang tidak pernah alami kehidupan Rakyat kebanyakan menginsafi keperitan dan cabaran kehidupan mereka?

Boleh kah mereka yang tidak pernah bergelut serta menangis semata-mata untuk mendapatkan kerja bagi membiayai keluarga mereka faham betapa pentingnya peluang pekerjaan diwujudkan?

Mampukah mereka yang tidak pernah mengambil pengangkutan awam atau menunggang motosikal bersama tiga orang anak memahami betapa pentingnya pengangkutan awam yang efisien dan mampu untuk rakyat marhain?

Bolehkah pemimpin bangsawan menyelamai keperluan Rakyat kebanyakkan untuk memimpin mereka?

Tanyalah diri secara jujur.

Salam!

CHANGE OR NOT TO CHANGE?

By Osman Hj. Kamaluddin

Off late, there has been a lot of hue and cry for changes in many parts of the world. The call for the changing of leaders, changing of government, changing of system, changing of policies and so forth could be seen happening everywhere, either by democratic action or by undemocratic actions. Nevertheless, these changes would only bear positive results if oneself change. Take for example of a student. We can change the school and the teachers but if the student doesn’t change, the results would still be the same i.e. back to square one!

To really change oneself is not that easy unless you acquire certain knowledge and/or intelligence. However, in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), there is a ‘tool’ called NEUROLOGICAL LEVELS.

The levels are as follows:

1. Environment – the where and the when

It is the place, the time and the people involved. You may be successful only in specific circumstances or with particular people – ‘being in the right place at the right time’.

2. Behavior – the what

It is what we do. It includes thoughts as well as actions. Sometimes behavior is difficult to change because it is closely connected to other levels.

3. Capability – the how

It is skill – behavior that is consistent, automatic and habitual. It includes both thinking strategies and physical skills. Capability at an organizational level manifests as business process and procedures. Capability is only visible in the resulting behavior because it lies within you.

4. Beliefs and values – the why

They are the principles that guide our actions – not only what we say we believe, but what we act on. Beliefs give meaning to what we do. Values are the why we do what we do. They are what is important to us – health, wealth, happiness and love. On an organizational level, businesses have principles they act on and values they hold. They are part of the culture of the business. Beliefs and values direct our lives, acting both as permissions and prohibitions on how we act.

5. Identity – the who

It is your sense of yourself, the core beliefs and values that define you and your mission in life. It is built throughout your life and is very resilient. We express ourselves through our behavior, skills, beliefs and values, but we are more than all or any of these. In business, organizational identity is the business culture. It emerges from the interaction of the other levels.

6. Beyond identity – connection

It is the realm of ethics, religion and spirituality – your place in this world. For a business it means vision and how the business connects with the community and other organizations.

 

Neurological levels are not a hierarchy. They all connect to each other and all influence each other.

So, how to use the Neurological levels to effect changes? Below is a simple example.

Assuming you are not handsome or pretty since the day you were born! (Sounds familiar!) Because of this, you may feel timid, inferior and you may want to avoid interacting with others. It may also affect your confidence and this may create problem when attempting to learn and/or acquire certain skills. Bottom line, you may be having a miserable life!

From the above example, it would appear that the origin of all the problems is with your Identity – the who. Well, to solve the problem, if you have plenty of money, go for a plastic surgery! But, there again, it may not solve the all the problems and may create other problems. In NLP, you use – change other neurological level.

How? Let say you take up a hobby like bowling. You start playing, alone of course! Later, as you play more and more, you begin to like it. As you like it more and more, you notice, you also good at it. Maybe, some of your friends (you got to know at the bowling alleys) encourage you to joint a bowling competition. You later join and win. It didn’t stop there. You joint more competition and you win more. You competed in a major competition and you won. You are famous. Reporters rushing to interview you, photographers snapping pictures of you and your fans gathering around to get your autographs! At that stage, you are not BOTHERED WHETHER YOU ARE HANDSOME OR PRETTY! WALLA……ALL SOLVE!

How’s that for a change!

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Osman Hj. Kamaluddin is a marine surveyor who has for the past many years researched and observed on accelerated learning techniques. He is also a Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) & NLP Coaching.