CORRUPT LEADERS CORRUPT THE NATION

Our country has many aspiring political leaders but how many display admirable leadership ideals? Many political leaders seem to severely lack some of the most important leadership qualities, such as integrity and accountability. To many people, the label “politician” has such negative connotations! All is not lost as there are still a few who come close to the leadership ideals and who are good examples of an effective political leader.

For a nation to progress, we need political leaders who through good governance can legitimately assess and determine the distribution of power and resources in ways that can positively impact the well-being of a nation and its people.

A good leader considers the long-term good of a country, above and ahead of any personal short-term gains. Malaysia needs leaders with charisma and integrity, analytical abilities to assess a situation and the ability to make sound decisions. Leaders must not use tax payers' money for enhancement of self-image or national program. Tax payers MUST object when this happens!

Is it a tall order that leaders display ‘statesmanship’ and demonstrate sincerity, humility and integrity, even if it means admitting faults to show their remorse or by resigning to maintain honor for misdeeds or losing an election? We can only dream on.

Upright leaders have no problems demonstrating integrity and loyalty to all always. Consequently, they can resist the various temptations of the political arena. Communication and inter-personal skills must be evident to achieve the greatest good for the general population and not that of their collaborators!

A leader who is not corrupt is willing to listen to the needs of the common people and to represent them faithfully. Courageously, they can stand up and say what needs to be said – rather than just tell the general public what it wants to hear. Fine leaders are willing to make difficult (and possibly unpopular) decisions for the greater good.

Good leadership builds harmony and unity by being fair to all regardless.

Contrastingly, useless and hopeless leaders are like bandits who use manipulation or corruption instead of inspiration and motivation to get what they want. Corrupt leaders run away from situations or the consequences of their misguided actions. Such leaders, instead, prefer to point their dirty fingers at everyone else. They seldom accept responsibility for their mistakes, admit their political failures and acknowledge their own contribution to a problem!!!

In any situation, accountability is crucial to effective leadership, without which followers will have no respect for them. A good political leader is honest and responsible for their own actions and decisions and is willing to admit when they have made a mistake. They will focus their on representing the people rather than spewing lies and criticizing or condemning others.

The effectiveness of his leadership is assessed via public opinion. He can laud and claim how good he is and how much good he has done for the nation but at the end of the day, it is the people's verdict. Yet, many choose to live in denial and enjoy strutting around in a delusional state because of self-serving tendencies.

Many forget that leaders are not static entities locked within a vacuum. Leaders come and go except many don't know when to go! Worse still, they fight tooth and nail to cling on to their position. It is a reciprocal relationship. He exists in a leader-and- followers scenario. He can only lead if people allow him to lead and will follow his bidding. If he receives a lot of flak, it is testimony of his failed leadership or statesmanship. However, the truth of this statement depends on the thickness of their facial epidermis for a few ignore reality and continue their charade and nonsensical rants! They ignore public perception at their own peril!

Expectations of leadership have not changed over time as many still uphold ideals such as honesty, vision, ability to inspire, and competency. Thus, true and effective leaders are the ones who can meet the people's needs and dreams, not their own.

However, a nation of corrupt leaders corrupts itself absolutely. If leaders don't display high standards of integrity and accountability, many can become corrupt. Ultimately, everyone's pocket $$$ will be affected!

If corrupt leaders with no integrity can remain in power, it is testimony to the world that the nation condones wrongdoing at the highest levels.

No thanks to these leaders, our international repute will suffer. A Catch-22 situation emerges when a corrupt populace produce corrupt leaders.

Democracy allows us to choose the best leaders who can lead and guide the people to honor, integrity, principles and high moral standards.

Choose wisely. Make THE RIGHT CHOICE and DO NOT condone any form of corrupt, incapable and insincere leaders!