KUALA LUMPUR – Former federal minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz says Malaysia needs to reset its national moral compass and that those in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors must not practise the “orang kita” brand of racism.
In a Facebook post today, the “Iron Lady” said Malaysians cannot afford to have a government whose integrity and competence are constantly challenged.
“As such, it is always imperative for those tasked with governing and nation-building to remember what their roles and responsibilities are, to be always on the straight and narrow, to have good values and principles, to help set the national compass on the right course.
“In fact, when individual compasses of those in authority go off tangent, it will cause the national compass itself to go awry and the nation will be set back from making progress and slide backwards and downwards.
“Future generations will inherit the debilitating ‘legacies’ of irresponsible, incompetent and self-serving people in positions of authority.
“It has been said that politicians think of the next election but statesmen think of the next generation. Surely, there is truth in that,” said Rafidah.
The former international trade and industry minister stressed that by resetting the national compass and making it “resilient enough to bend with the winds and not break” will allow Malaysia to once again compete successfully in the marketplace.
“The nation will make its mark on the global stage while being respected and admired as it once was.”
Furthermore, she said that this would be the best legacy to leave behind instead of being driven by greed, leading to abusing one’s leadership position to build a comfortable nest
She also reminded public and private sector officials who favour their own race over others with the “orang kita” (our own people) attitude that all Malaysians are our people.
“The only ‘our people’ are our fellow Malaysians, who live in a dynamic and ever-changing regional and global environment.
“We need to pre-empt, face and overcome all the challenges that arise from the dynamics of the external environment, as well as optimise the positives that do present themselves as opportunities.
“But, that requires public functionaries who understand what is really good for the nation and the people, and are committed to serving Malaysia and all Malaysians – not self-serving, not driven by greed for positions and power, always aware that we are all here only for a short time.
“We should not squander that time given to us, doing only what endless greed dictates,” said Rafidah, who admitted that people have described her as morbid for always expecting death, referring to a person’s lifetime on earth. – The Vibes, May 5, 2021
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