Personal Glory or Nation's Interest

Current world financial crisis in the world's largest economy has negative impacts on all the countries in the world, especially the developed and other developing economies including Malaysia. On 15 Sept 2008 (yesterday) yet another tumble in the US financial markets which led to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the buying over of Merill Lynch by Bank of Amerika. Share markets across the world fell sharply and the oil price were quoted under USD100 per barrel. All this developments have negative impact on the Malaysian economy except for the decline in the oil price. At the moment of uncertanity in the economic performance of the country, we have yet another uncalled for crisis i.e. in the domestic political arena.

The Prime Minster had already announced his transition plan to hand over the leadership to his deputy in mid-2010. However, there are quarters who feel that he should retire earlier. Then, there is this case of ISA arrest of three person (one of them released later) on the ground of creating instability in the country (among others due to religious issues and political accusations). One of the ministers (Minister of Law) tender his resignation on account of misuse of ISA. He argued that ISA should only be used for communist or terrorist activities against the country and not for political reasons.

Then, there is this case of opposition front (PKR) head by KeAdilan party(KeAdilan) declaring that they are going to take over the Government today (16 Sept 2008), commensurating the day Malaysia was formed. Keadilan even sent their leaders to persuade the Barisan Nasional parliamentarians who are on a study tour in Taiwan. The PKR are having a big gathering today at MBPJ stadium. Even the PKR among them (three parties Keadilan, PAS and DAP) they are not in full agreement in most issues except to topple down Barisan Government. How can they rule a country if they are not in one heart, one soul and one mind. It's more like a marriage of covenience.

With both the economic and political uncertanties clouding the country, it's a bit worrying. The political leaders should be aware of the seriousness of the situation and try to pull together their differences in the interest of the stability of the country. The economic strength and progress as well as political stability acheived thus far should not be lost just in a split second due to personal interest. We need sacrifices from some of these individuals and compromises among them. I would not want to elaborate as to who should lead or who should give in. It can be anybody, who puts the nation's interest before personal glory. Though he (whoever he is) won't be remembered as winner or successful leader in the local political arena but more importantly he will always be respected by many if not God alone.

Some personal quotes:

1.It takes 50 years to build success but it takes only a day to destroy it.

2.Personal glory is respected in this world but peronal sacrifices will always be honoured in the other world

3.Backing-off doesn't mean that you lose the battle, it's shows maturity, sacrifices and honesty.