Sincerity the key to political success
Syed Abdullah Syed Mohamed (interviewer and photographer)
Datuk Ali Mohd, 66, was recently conferred a Datukship by the Yang diPertuan Agong. As deputy head of Umno Johor Baru, the father of four is currently a full-time politician.
 |
| FOR THE PEOPLE: Datuk Ali Mohd (second from left) chatting with guests at a Hari Raya gathering in Johor Baru. |
 |
| HOME SWEET HOME: Datuk Ali Mohd’s family home in Larkin Gardens. |
 |
| PROUD MALAYSIAN: Datuk Ali Mohd (right) singing the national anthem at the Johor Baru Umno general meeting. Also present are Datuk Seri Najib Razak (second from left) and Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad (left). |
WHEN I was elected state representative for Tanjung Puteri four years ago at the ripe old age of 62, the first three words that I took to heart in carrying out my duties were commitment, accountability and sincerity to my voters.
These three precious words were instilled in me by my late father, Mohd bin Jaafar. As a little boy, I remember my father telling me that good leaders develop their capabilities naturally. They are usually born leaders and their elevation to their posts is all the work of the Almighty. Ancestry plays an essential role, too.
My father’s words ring true as the family tree of my mother, Hapipah Ahmad Kepol, consists of past and present leaders of our nation. Her uncle is the late Dato Onn Jaafar and her cousin is our third prime minister, the late Tun Hussein Onn. Then there is Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is my second cousin.
As the eldest son in a family of seven, I joined the government service in 1962 upon completing my tertiary studies. I was posted to many departments but two working places that kindled my social capabilities were the state secretary’s office and the Johor Baru district office.
The state secretary’s office is responsible for the organising of state government functions that involve the top leadership or royalty. As for the district office, all warrants awarded by the councillors or members of parliament would go through us. Therefore, as the person in charge, I was constantly in contact with people of various backgrounds and characters.
My field activities included being appointed a palace official at the Johor Istana and holding the post of secretary at the Jorinthians Club, whose members comprise youths involved in sports, camping activities, and cultural performances. I was also a member of the JB Scooters’ Club, whose patron was the present Sultan of Johor. The club’s activities were similar to the “Kembara Johor” programmes organised by the state government. However, the club’s activities were on a smaller scale and informal.
In 1967, my father passed away, leaving the responsibility of supporting the family to me.
Apart from my elder sister who was already married at that time, my other brothers and sisters were still in school. So I had to work extra hard to make ends meet.
But I went through it the positive way. The duties of a “father” and a leader of the family developed my leadership qualities. Fortunately, our neighbours were friendly, cooperative and always willing to help ease our family’s problems.
After delaying my marriage plans for several years to provide for my siblings and ensure their success in life, I finally married Rokiah Othman at the age of 31. My siblings and their families, as a way showing their appreciation for my deeds, are always around to support me whenever I organise open houses or functions.
I joined Umno in the mid-1960s and was immediately elected Larkin Gardens (now Taman Dato Onn) branch youth chief. I also became secretary of the Larkin Gardens Youth Unity branch when it was first formed in 1968.
In the early 1970s, I brought up two proposals during an Umno Youth general meeting which were later endorsed by the central working committee.
The first suggestion was the formation of a state liaison committee and the second, the construction of the Johor port in Pasir Gudang and Johor airport. To my surprise, both proposals were approved, making me very proud of this outstanding achievement.
In 2001, I opted out of government service to venture into business. But not for long. After five years, I decided to quit business and continue my voluntary services and political activities. I was later appointed deputy head of the Johor Baru Umno division.
Another prominent figure who influenced my successful career was the late Tan Sri Osman Saat, who was a former Johor menteri besar. He was a man of principle, stern, a workaholic and someone who didn’t tolerate any hanky-panky. His contributions included the development of low-cost housing schemes for the lower-income population, such as the ones in Larkin Jaya and Kampong Bendahara.
Osman also introduced the 30 per cent low-cost housing quota system in every new housing estate. This state policy enabled the poor to buy houses at a cheaper rate and, at the same time, mingle with the middle-class house buyers.
Although I was only a one-term state representative (2004-2008), I feel satisfied with myself as I gave my best to my constituents. There were very few grouses and this accomplishment is probably due to my vast experience as a government servant, as a member of several non-governmental organisations and as the man of the house.
|
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association, along with Muslim restaurateurs and several Muslim non-governmental organisations, will be launching a campaign to boycott American ...