.jpg)
By Mihar Dias Copyright (C) August 2023
In the age of social media, public figures are under constant scrutiny, and their actions, no matter how minor, are subject to immediate and widespread judgment.
The recent incident involving Kedah Chief Minister Sanusi serves as a poignant reminder of how leaders' behaviour can impact their reputation and the perception of their inappropriate action in the eyes of the public at large.
The video clip capturing Sanusi using a piece of paper to hit a student's head has ignited a storm of criticism, with many condemning his actions as rude and unbecoming of a public official and a newly sworn-in MB as well.
The incident underscores the importance of leaders upholding decorum and treating all individuals with respect, regardless of their position or role in society.
What is particularly disheartening about the incident is the lack of intervention by those witnessing the act. The bystanders' laughter and apparent acceptance of Sanusi's behaviour raise questions about the culture surrounding leadership and authority.
Leaders have a responsibility not only to set an example but also to cultivate an environment where such actions are not tolerated.
This incident is not an isolated one, as leaders elsewhere have also faced condemnation for their rude treatment of others.
In Canada, a former mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford's tumultuous tenure, was marked by numerous incidents of disrespectful behaviour that tarnished his legacy and eventually damaged his credibility.
Similarly, the global stage has witnessed leaders who, by their actions, have demeaned individuals and eroded public trust.
Anwar Ibrahim's impatience resulting in poor handling of a college student at a town hall meeting is another case in point which led to a widespread anger and condemnation of PMX.
The repercussions of such behaviour are far-reaching. Leaders are expected to embody the values of their communities and demonstrate qualities such as empathy, patience, and professionalism.
When these expectations are not met, public outrage is swift and unrelenting, as seen in the online backlash against Sanusi. The 18-second clip video which has garnered more than 4 million views with negative opinions directed at Sanusi shows that the whacking even if it was done in jest can not be ignored nor excused when it involves a leader of a state.
Leadership comes with a unique set of responsibilities, one of which is to lead by example. When leaders exhibit rudeness or disrespectful behaviour, they send a message that such conduct is acceptable, further contributing to a culture of incivility.
The consequences of such actions not only result in damage to reputation but also the erosion of the trust and faith that the public places in their leaders.
As societies evolve, so do the expectations placed on leaders. The incident involving MB Sanusi serves as a lesson for leaders worldwide. It is a reminder that leaders must be acutely aware of their actions and their impact on the perception of their office. It is a call to foster an environment of respect, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions.
In a world where information spreads rapidly, leaders can not afford to disregard the power of their actions. It is imperative that they rise above personal impulses and uphold the standards that their roles demand.
Only through consistent and respectful conduct can leaders regain and maintain the public's trust, thereby fulfilling their obligations to serve and represent their constituents effectively.
Sanusi has a lot to do to contain the damage incurred as a result of his rude and behaviour unbecoming of a leader and a statesman. Time to control the “Hulk” from emerging further in the future.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.
