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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright April 2023
The phrase "practice what you preach" is an age-old adage that encourages individuals to live by the principles they espouse.
It is really a simple yet powerful concept that is especially relevant to politicians, who are expected to lead by example and act in the best interests of their constituents.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." This means that if a politician like PMX wanted to see positive changes in all communities, he has no choice but to first embody that change himself. That goes for the PH government that he now leads as well.
Similarly, former US President Theodore Roosevelt famously said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
The above quotes emphasize the importance of taking action and making a difference in your immediate surroundings. Obviously, politicians who want to make a difference ought to start by making changes in their own lives and communities.
Another relevant quote comes from American civil rights activist, Malcolm X, who said, "I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against." This quote highlights the importance of being consistent and standing up for what is right, even if it means going against the norm.
Politicians who claim to stand for justice and truth should be willing to practice what they preach, regardless of the political consequences.
Finally, Winston Churchill once famously pronounced that, "The price of greatness is responsibility", which emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions.
Politicians, like PMX who yearns to be regarded as a great leader, must hold themselves accountable and lead by example.
In any case, the concept of "practice what you preach" is especially relevant to politicians, who are expected to lead by example and act in the best interests of their constituents. By embodying the principles they espouse, politicians can earn the trust and respect of their communities and avoid the label of being hypocrites.
As Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." By serving others and living by their principles, politicians can truly make a positive difference in the world.
PMX and the Harapan government may want to lose themselves in the service of others not to lose their minds chasing after glory and political victory at the expense of the people whom they expose to serve.
More recently, PMX, who has said that the country should not be involved in organizing big events because they are a waste of government funds, when he first assumed office, decided to hold an annual PM's open house organised by JPM staff in three states that are expected to elect representatives for their respective legislatures.
Although Anwar has denied that the open house is a political ploy or a campaign strategy to attract voters, yet observers seem to ignore that and continue to perceive the PM's open houses as a platform or an opportunity for political campaigning in the Malay heartlands held by the opposition, namely Kedah, Kelantan and Trengganu.
At the same time, they alleged that PMX is not practising what he preaches.
Heading this criticism is a controversial Member of Parliament for Machang, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal who labelled the Malaysia Madani Open Houses as wasteful, saying that the funds should be channelled to deserving people of the state instead. In addition, Wan Fayhsal also said that the move by Anwar is not Madani, but more devilish or “Shayatin".
He must have been referring to the teachings of Islam which equates wastefulness as a devilish act.
To prove his point, he uploaded a news report where the Prime Minister himself said during his first 100 days urging the people to stop spending big on large wasteful events.
“Mubazzirin (wasteful). The fund should be channelled before Hari Raya Aidilfitri to the people of the 3 states. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. If you don’t want to channel the funds to opposition MPs, at least channel them to District Officers. What’s important is that needy people would get it. This is not MADANI, this is SHAYATIN", adding the hashtag #CakapTakSerupaBikin which in English means “not practising what your preach”. - WOB
Supporting Wan Fayhsal is Bemban assemblyman Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub who said the decision clearly shows PMX was desperate to restore his previously damaged image as the state election is around the corner. He said the government is estimated to spend about RM2 million or more for each open house event.
"It is best that the money is used to help people in need and directly channelled to them. Anwar is already famous, he doesn't need many big events to be popular. This wasteful action will negatively impact his good name," he said in a statement.
In politics, perception is everything. It matters not what PMX said about bringing the open house to the grassroots. What matters is the implications of bringing the event to the opposition-held states. The public would of course dig up what was said by PMX earlier. That is, not to use state funds on big events which are wasteful.
Perhaps Anwar should listen to the Patriots who said "There is no other reason why the three states were chosen to organise the Aidilfitri celebration which was more on the attendance of the central leadership. Holding party campaigns using government funds is corruption."
“The (Aidilfitri) celebrations in the states involve large amount of spending and the current economic state and Prime Minister’s previous recommendation to be thrifty is just talk and not thinking about the waste that will occur,” said National Patriots Association (Patriot) vice-president Mohd Anuar Osman.
Thus, PMX needs to be reminded to "walk the talk" to be consistent in thoughts and actions, words with deeds, less one would want to take the risk of being labelled a hypocrite. Some say if you cannot practice what you preach, then it's time to quit preaching.
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!
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