VOTE ONLY FOR CAPABLE LEADERS

The Deputy Prime Minister called on the electorates (The New Straits Times, Saturday 11th January) to vote only for “capable leaders” who can do the job. This is very sound advice – as sound as the Prime Minister’s appeal to “not allow any form of extremism to destroy our nation and to speak up and make our voices heard and fight against all excesses”. Both comments basically lead to the same exhortation – for the Rakyat to think carefully and do what is right.

I suggested (see my previous story on “MODERATES MUST LEAD”) that Pak Lah’s comment be taken in its totality and in the widest possible context, ensuring always of course, they are in the interest of the nation. Similarly I would also suggest that Dato’ Seri Najib’s statement be likewise received, especially the interpretation of the phrase “capable leaders”.

When it comes to “Wakil Rakyat” the need to interpret the phrase “capable leaders” in its broadest sense becomes all the more necessary given the more all-embracing role they have to play. After all, they are the representatives of the people. The confidence and sincere respect of the people for them must be their most important Key Performance Indicator, if not one of the objectives itself.

The word “capable” must therefore be defined to not just reflect efficiency and effectiveness in getting the job done (all too often conveniently and narrowly interpreted as bringing about development) but also the way they go about it – the honesty and sincerity, the trustworthiness and reliability, moral integrity, ethics, values, the wisdom and humility etc., etc. in the individuals elected and entrusted by the people to do the job. The word “leaders” reflects the leadership positions, emphasizing the need for these attributes, and whatever else expected of leaders. I’m sure this was what was actually intended by the Deputy Prime Minister when he used the phrase “capable leaders”.

If that was the case, what might have been reassuring to hear as well was the commitment to a step-up effort in ensuring all Coalition candidates will meet these expectations. Without that assurance, it can only mean it is very much “business as usual”; meaning the Coalition is satisfied that all their candidates are already at that level. The question then is whether the electorates really believe that – have all the elected representatives been what they should be? Have they all been completely honest and sincere, ethical, trustworthy and reliable, putting the interest of the Rakyat and the country above everything else always, in each and every case”? Have they all indeed been the “capable leaders” as defined above?

In the absence of any commitment to bring about a real change in the performance culture of these elected candidates, it means we are expected to accept and be satisfied with the Coalition candidates’ quality and performance continuing as they are today – evidently being their benchmark of “capable leaders”. In effect, therefore, when we are asked to “vote only for capable leaders”, we are being asked to vote for the same-mould candidates (with the majority even likely to be current incumbents) and the promise of the continuing exact same culture, performance, and scenario!

Am I missing something here?