LETTER | Stop the feud, work for a better future

LETTER | We have been listening to this more-than-26-year feud between two individuals for so long at the expense of a better future. Can it be stopped or should I say how to stop it?

Both sides have been making blithe accusations and assertions towards the other, not knowing the harm and impact it has towards the society and country’s wellbeing, and worse, foreign investors.

The tit-for-tat should stop. It seems that each change of government feels like a successful revolution - we had a few in the last few years. What do we expect for the next sequel?

“Same old same old” or something better. What is needed to be done then?

I think the one who leads should show good examples. Effective leaders help to improve by getting the most out of their team by harnessing the most of everyone’s strengths, motivating everyone to work towards the same goal, and doing what they do best while providing guidance and direction.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Stop the “attacks” and focus on making a better future for all Malaysians. Look back only to learn from mistakes and not to repeat them.

Yes, action must be taken on wrongdoers but be fair and not selective.

We need to improve productivity and increase efficiency. We need someone to motivate, inspire hard work, and create a strong vision and direction for the future.

We have made too many mistakes and we cannot afford to waste time. The ones “in charge” should lead and should always set the example.

They do not necessarily need to always lead from the front. They may develop a myopic perspective and ignore downstream decisions that need to be made and lose sight of the strategic objectives by doing so.

Great leaders have the ability to take a few steps back and digest the whole issue and offer ideas to tackle friction. They need to be present and not too far removed, or else they can quickly lose perspective and potentially, respect.

Top leaders need to lead and inspire other leaders too. The dynamic is a bit different since they too have the experience, know-how, and motivation – somehow in politics, this may not necessarily be the case. And the motivation and guidance will be different. Be a mentor or a coach.

If this is practiced towards the opposition, the leader will gain respect and be acknowledged. I think the former will rise to the occasion and work harder to meet expectations if they are truly a responsible opposition.

Be inclusive to address and solve problems like the step taken for the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024.

What is key, is to watch what you say ie the power of your words as a leader.

We don’t need leaders who occupy a box in a chart with a title but with very little active leading. We need to encourage current and future leaders to take an honest inward look at priorities, be purpose-driven, and effectively act on them.

It has to be beyond the realms of profit and rooted in a higher purpose of a nation’s wellbeing. This positive transformation has to start now.

What say you?

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.