power struggle

In Malaysia now, most politicians, whether BN or PAKATAN RAKYAT politician, want to be a powerful & influential politician, their target is to be ADUN first, then MP, then Deputy Minister or Minister, then of course the ultimate prize, the Prime Minister. Shortly their target is power and more power. Obviously they do not trust the maxim “absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Some of them justify their target by saying that “if you want to make changes and make this country a better place, then you need power and influence otherwise you are wasting your time”.

To the muslim politician be it malay or non-malay, I want to remind them that they must follow the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and the Companion way of leadership which put the people interests first than their own personal ambition or aspiration. The Companion had sacrificed everything for the people and the country. They joined politics with no money and retired from politics with the same amount of money. I call that “highest integrity”. Just read the many stories of Caliph Umar Al-Khattab r.a. as our guidance and assistance.

The easiest ticket to power and influence is money and affluence, it is an accepted culture now among the many politicians, that if you want to be somebody then you got to have money, lots of money. Then you buy your way to the top. If you are poor, then don’t stand in the way, you will be kicked around like a stray dog. That’s why, corruption is perceived to exist everywhere now in UMNO. Even UMNO people cannot deny this simple fact, those who deny that are living in denial syndrome or too naïve to accept the harsh reality. Just read back the statement from Pahang MB, YAB Datuk Adnan Yaakob after he lost the vice presidency contest in the last AGM. Corruption happens from the branch election to division election, from delegates’ appointment to the party election at AGM.

Before Merdeka, Malay leaders with knowledge and integrity were recognized as the leader of the people especially British-educated and al-azhar-educated malay. Yes, they still needed the money for their struggle but not to enrich themselves, their cronies and families. Classic example, YAM Tunku Abd Rahman spent all his money for UMNO and Malaya independence. He was a prince with a common people heart.

What will happen to the common people who have the right degree and pure integrity but unfortunately do not have the money to buy their way to the top. In the long run, Malaysia will be run by people who have no quality. We are doomed to fail.

I heard good stories about PAKATAN RAKYAT MBs. The two PAS MBs namely YAB Dato’ Nik Abd Aziz and YAB Ustaz Azizan refuse to live at their official residences but prefer to live with and among their people, the common people. They have my respect in that sense. Penang CM, YAB Lim Guan Eng took Economy Class flight last month, he has my respect also.

Anyway, it is too early to judge the PAKATAN RAKYAT state governments. I may have to wait a little longer. Good luck to them all.