PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s birthday tweet to former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his 89th birthday may seem like a simple gesture, but it demonstrates a positive lead by example from the current leader on how past leaders should be appreciated.
Dr Mahathir is an exemplary and highly respected leader. Despite that, he readily admits to his flaws.
His contribution and track record in leading the country to its current achievements during his tenure are undeniable.
I believe his services to the nation have not been highlighted as much as they should, especially with the aim to teach and inspire future generations.
Perhaps it’s because he is still alive and well, and therefore, most of us tend to take it for granted. The common attitude is to shower accolades and reflect on a leader’s contributions only when he is no longer among us.
Some of today’s aspiring young leaders tend to demonstrate a lack of appreciation of past leaders and end up either being ignorant or arrogant, traits that will not serve them well in their bid to be notable leaders in the future.
Consequently, many of the younger generations have also become oblivious to the contributions of past leaders and, as a result, failed to appreciate the struggles and context of historical events.
This weakness has opened gaps for opportunistic individuals to further their selfish aim by sowing seeds of mistrust, suspicion and other destructive attitudes whenever possible, which ultimately serves to divide society and cause damage in the whole scheme of things of trying to achieve a harmonious, progressive and strong nation.
Having said that, I believe it is important to look to past leaders, regardless of whether they are still alive or otherwise, and more importantly, learn from their strengths, weaknesses, mistakes and achievements.
Past leaders should be duly and consistently recognised for their contributions where deserving, since it was their decisions that, in many ways, shaped and influenced the current and future outcomes of the nation’s progress or otherwise.
On that note, it will bode well for all current leaders to emulate the example shown by the Prime Minister.
They should not make the mistake of thinking that due to current and new challenges, the wisdom of the past could be discounted or ignored as irrelevant or ancient.
Remembering past leaders and expressing gratitude and respect for them as leaders, albeit in simple ways, will ensure that a leader remains humble, open to learn and not afraid to be guided by wisdom of others who have walked the same path before him.
My best wishes to Dr Mahathir in conjunction with his 89th birthday. May Allah SWT bless him to continue contributing towards a better Malaysia.
Sugiman Sabri, Alor Star, Kedah