Tun was ‘ere…
Tun Mahatir was here in UTP for a public lecture programme. It was kinda exciting to see our former Prime Minister in the flesh and blood, and to be in the same hall with him, was out of this world. I dont know how these people do it, but they seem to exude a commanding presence that grips you, a sense of authority that assures you that everything is OK, you willingly show the utmost repect to him. Its just great. After all he was the No.1 man in Malaysia. and at 81, he is still going strong.
for those of you who missed it, here is a brief summary of the lecture:
Challanges Faced when Ruling a Country
- chosen rulers must put country first and not themselves (this is the most unselfish thing in the world that is 99.99% against human nature)
- moderation in everything (which is the very basics of Islam)
- democratic government should not always listen to the people (as evident in the UK, where the government listened to the people for higher wages, shorter working hours and more holidays. as a result, they lost their automotive industry)
- rulers must have the vision of developing the country and ensuring the country’s safety (Malaysia is a pretty safe country but as far as developement is concerned, we are way way behind)
- ” A leader with no followers, is not a leader. A leader who’s ideas are not palpable with his followers, will have no followers” (or so it seems…)
- being a leader itself is a very complex thing, you would have to devise good plans, successfully execute those plans whilst satisfying your followers needs (tell me about it…)
- job opportunities available for graduates, but many still have no jobs. (why ? too choosy, fussy ? want easy jobs ? are we just plain lazy ? or is it so, that if you are not a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer or an accountant, you cant make it here in this country ?)
- nowadays, rulers are not only responsible for law and order, but also the developement of the people and the country (we were developing pretty rapidly, maybe too rapid for certain people, but everything seems to have been slowed down now, not good also)
all in all, it was a very good lecture. well it had to be, because it was either this or my cousins wedding reception. but i did attend the nikah and the girls side wedding reception. so, i guess it’s ok. things would have been different if i had a car. only GOD knows what would have been different.
