"New Hope and Optimism For the Country"

 By: Professor Dato' Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim, Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies, UCSI University

  THE ongoing election campaign under GE15 is refreshing. Thanks to the power of the internet and the new media, there is more balance in the media opportunities for all the political parties. No more  the  practice of the past when television campaigning was more biased, favouring the government linked parties, which enjoyed more air time and coverage. The new media ushers in a positive development for democracy in the country. As echoed by a panel member of one of the TV discussion recently, democracy should rightfully celebrate differences in views and stands. All must be given the chance to reach out to the electorate. If such an arrangement can be replicated in all future elections, our country is destined for a more harmoniuous, progressive, prosperous and sustainable future.

 What has also lifted our spirit most as we look to the future is the emergence of the new breed of leaders from across the political divide. In Barisan Nasional, KJ, as he is affectionately known among the locals, stands out as a leader who has proven his worth taking charge of the ministries he was tasked to manage. During his time as the Youth and Sports minister, he was visibly involved in bringing improvement to the ministry. Later as MOSTI minister, he was equally dynamic in transforming the ministry into one that, at long last, people can appreciate the important role science plays in building and prospering the nation. But his biggest challenge would surely go to the time he helmed the Ministry of Health. That was when Covid-19 pandemic was at its highest level of threat, cases rising and anti-vaccine feeling high. Credit must surely go to KJ for his persuasive communication and negotiation skills which eventually led to the needed behavioural change among people, not only to get vaccinated but to religiously observe the dos and don’ts of preventive measures prescribed by the ministry.

  Of course, as expected, not many of the elder leaders can tolerate his rapid rise to prominence. Earlier in his political career, some attribute his close relation with the then PM, Pak Lah, and the ability to access the source of power then, for his performance. He was called many unsavoury names then. Now that, even without such access to the high authority, he is able to deliver commendable performance, many now see all such earlier suspicions unfounded. The truth is, KJ has what it takes to perform and deliver, whatever the obstacles. Many welcome his recent pronouncement that he would one day intend to assume the highest post of PM to lead the nation. In fact, some, who are very convinced of his leadership quality, say he is ready right now to assume that PM position.

 The other personality which many agree shows much promise to lead the nation is PKR’s Rafizi. He is also another professional who has never failed to impress the electorate with his brand of campaigning, exposing the rampant leadership malpractice in the country. Unless checked, such mismanagement can lead to negative repercussions for the future of the nation. What is also refreshing is his deployment of the latest data analytics technology to decipher the emotions of the electorate, and use such feedbacks to develop his strategic plan to win votes. His campaigning also uses a lot of the new internet media. As an accomplished debator during his MCKK days, his communication skill comes natural to him. Say what we want, but the fact remains that, as the top leader of the nation, the ability to effectively communicate at all levels is paramount. His party mate, Nurul Izzah, is another promising leader in the making.

 The new secretary-general of the DAP, Mr Anthony Loke is another upcoming political leader that brings optimism and hope to the country. Many salute his pragmatic style of dealing with the very contentious race issue. Then there is UMNO’s Shahril Hamdan who is contesting in Alor Gajah. Watching him offering views on the state of the nation, one cannot help but feel hopeful for the future of the country. I am sure there are many more such young leaders. If not for the new media, all such talents may still lie hidden among the warlords. What is certain is that their emergence has given us all a new hope and optimism.