Message to Pakatan Rakyat leaders

Dear Pakatan Rakyat leaders,

It is evident that rational people in Malaysia are guided by the truth of rationality. With the victory at Permatang Pauh, it is certainly possible that Pakatan Rakyat will come into power as the federal government.

I write to you leaders with my concerns, and only hope to God that I may have your ears, even if only for a minute or two.

1. Principles, principles and principles

BN is paying the price for straying away from principles, and engaging in politics of the worst kind - manipulation. What will Pakatan Rakyat learn for the bankrupt policies of BN? Will Santayana's ominous adage ring true for you too when (and I say when, not if!) PR comes into power?

May I sincerely and prayerfully urge you to stay on the right side of principles. Principles are axioms, and self-evident truths which do not yield even to humans. They remain true at all times, in all places, for all people. In a sense, they are like a double-edged sword; even the wielder can be slashed, if not careful, and as you yourself, Anwar Ibrahim, and the BN, have learned painfully in recent years.

2. Leaders exist for their people, a sacred trust never to be violated.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad will go down in history as Malaysia's worst leader. Why? Because he failed in the one fundamental task of a leader - to raise more leaders. Learn a lesson from Jack Welch and General Electric. Until today, there is no other company in the history of management which has produced more CEO's and senior management from its ranks. Cases in point: Boeing's CEO, ex-Home Depot's CEO, and many others.

Please raise up leaders of calibre. Leaders who recognise that their whole duty is to do the work of leading, and nothing else. Go learn what the work of leading is. Do not limit or misunderstand leadership. Many have to their own detriment (just ask Dr M!). Please do not repeat his mistake.

3. Be just, love mercy, walk with humility

Humility (sebagai beras berisi yang kian membengkok) is a rare virtue, rarer in politics and leadership, and greatly loved by the people. Humility can be learned, and cultivated. Model humility, and you leaders will be greatly loved. Being merciful is a divine trait but accessible to humans too. In victory, be magnanimous, be merciful, yet, dispense justice. Always dispense justice with mercy.

4. Finally, really L-i-s-t-e-n. I mean, truly and really l-i-s-t-e-n.

This indispensable art has all but been lost in our world today. The greatest gift of all which PR leaders can give the people, and the rakyat, is to really L-i-s-t-e-n. Not just to the sound of the words, but to the heartbeat behind those words. You will garner great respect and admiration from the rakyat. Really listening means responding to the cries of the rakyat.

Thank you. I am not sure if you will get to read this letter. However, I remain hopeful, and I pray daily that the Lord Almighty will give wisdom and courage to our leaders, to lead our nation into righteousness, wisdom and honor.

‘When the righteous rule, the people rejoice!’

Franklin Morais, My Living Wall