Written by Arief Irsyad
Everyone dreams of living in a country that is developed and advanced in terms of the people's mentality and social development.
But to get there, it all depends on a leader's wisdom navigating the nation towards that dream.
Malaysia is surrounded by immediate neighbours who exemplify at one point or another inspired leadership which charted the growth of Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia to greater heights.
An Iconic Leader In The Eyes Of The Nation
After the passing of Lee Kwan Yew, the Father of Modern Singapore, many people debated his role and influence in shaping Singapore's political scene over several decades.
Nevertheless, Singaporeans still look up to Lee whom they still consider as their greatest leader so far.
He proved his mettle as a capable leader in being able to reign in any political rift in his country.
Thanks to his firm stand in upholding the Sedition Act and Internal Security Act (ISA), politics in Singapore is civilized and orderly.
It is undeniable that like any other country, there exists opposing voices in Singapore who criticize Lee's administration but they do so respectfully.
While making known their disagreement over policies involved in governing the nation, the opposition never made personal attacks and always placed the country's interests above all else.
This was evident during his passing, the people of Singapore united in showing their love towards their former Prime Minister.
Even after Lee had retired from active politics, he was still highly regarded and continued to serve as advisor whose views were highly-respected just as when he was the country's leader.
In the eye of Singaporeans, he remains a great man.
No one can beat the greatness of Singaporeans spirit of unity and love for Lee Kwan Yew, the Father of Modern Singapore.
Loyalty To A Supreme Leader
Brunei Darussalam stands unique among its ASEAN neighbours as it is ruled by an absolute monarch, who in this modern age has managed to cement his reign of what is a model Islamic country in Southeast Asia.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has succeeded in commanding the undivided loyalty of his subjects who wholeheartedly embrace him as their King and accord him the respect he deserves.
Brunei is not like any other countries in Asia because there is no political party there. It really is all about one king and one voice.
Brunei is among the Islamic countries which has successfully implemented Hudud as a whole and the people of Brunei agree and respect Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's decision.
There is no known opposition or resistance to his leadership as His Highness' tolerant and caring attitude has endeared him to his people.
Always with the interest of his nation at heart, he has been known to alight from his vehicle to direct traffic in Brunei.
As a result, the people of Brunei think highly of their ruler. His sincerity in caring for his nation and its people is reflected in the loyalty he commands in return from his subjects.
Brunei Darussalam is a small country but years ahead in comparison to other Islamic nations in Asia because of they have the right spirit and attitude in implementing Allah’s law.
People Power As A True Reflection Of Democracy
Indonesia is a shining example of a republic where the people’s voices reign supreme when choosing their leader which has seen seven presidents been installed and removed by people power.
Compared to its neighbours, it might appear less successful in terms of education and economy, but when it comes to exercising their democratic right, Indonesians exhibit uncommon spirit when opposing leaders that they deem as unfit to rule.
History stands witness during the historic episodes when Sukarno, Indonesia Father of Independence’s ruling, kings and sultans were overthrown by commoners because of the united show of people power. Indonesia protects its belief in a republic fiercely governed by a democratically elected leader, the president.
Starting from Sukarno, Suharto, Gusdur, Habibi, Megawati Suekarnoputri, Susilo Bambang Widoyono and now Joko Widodo, all were rightfully elected by the people in response to changing times.
For instance, Sukarno’s leadership enjoyed immense popular support followed by Suharto who exercised military rule during his era.
That Habibi’s ruling only lasted a few months have clearly proven that the support of Indonesians for their leader is crucial in determining the direction of the nation.
Indonesians do not have any qualms about changing their leader.
When the poeple stand together, there is nothing that can break their unity and combined power to determine the future of a nation or bring down a goverment which no longer enjoy the people's support.
We need to follow in the footsteps of these three Southeast Asian countries in terms of putting the interests of the nation, the people and its leadership above all else.
There are many ways to foster togetherness and unity as shown in these three countries which above all else benefitted from exemplery leadership which propelled their country forward.
Sumber - Malaysian Digest
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