GOOD LOOKS MATTER WHEN SERVING THE PUBLIC
Results from studies have shown that voters prefer ‘more appealing’ looking candidates
THE spectators did not look like they truly understood what the players and officials were deliberating about. In truth, I am pretty sure not many were keen to know the meaning of words likes chukkas, bowl in, hook, made pony and mallet head when those fine physiques, I mean athletes, were the main reasons for them being there.
Let’s be honest: how many among those spectators do you think have actually stepped on a polo field, watched a polo game on television, or even stopped to read a newspaper report about a polo match? Do they even know how this sport of kings is played and what are the rules that govern it?
But, that did not stop the more than 3,000 vociferous fans from turning up at the Putrajaya Equestrian Park to watch Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin take on Brunei Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah in an equestrian polo match earlier this week.
Armed with their mobile phones, a majority of the excited female fans braved the hot sun and elbowed their way through the crowd, including the on-duty journalists, to be as near as possible to the pitch so that they could get the best shots possible of the two leaders.
One journalist nearly lost his footing when he was pushed aside by fans and almost landed on an old woman.
The widely-adored Khairy and Prince Abdul Mateen, who has appeared on several covers of GQ Magazine, were representing their respective national equestrian polo teams in the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games 2017.
It would not be a surprise if, by now, many of these overnight polo fans are barely able to recall the details of the Malaysian team’s 12-4 win over Brunei.
Yet, I am certain each one will remember explicitly every time the athletic minister smiled in their direction, or when the prince flexed his torso during the match.
Both heartthrobs, I mean athletes, who are their countries’ future leaders, are examples of how global leaders and public servants are turning to good looks and charming appearance to win the hearts of the population.
Over the years, there have been the occasional good-looking world leaders, particularly members of the royal families, who have wooed the rest of us humble citizens, such as Queen of Spain Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
However, in recent times, there seems to be an influx of young and aesthetically pleasing leaders. I am tempted to use the word “sexy”, but am unsure of it being politically correct.
Politicians like Canada’s Justin Trudeau, France’s Emmanuel Macron as well as Italian politician Maria Rosaria Carfagna and Greece’s Angela Gerekou are gaining as much popularity as celebrities from the entertainment world.
Perhaps, that is what the often-perceived stale and dreary political landscape needs — an injection of entertainment.
While United States President Donald Trump is doing fine all by himself to pump up the volume on the international scene, the local scene, too, could do well to have our own pretty faces to boost interest.
Before I proceed to debate over how stubbles and six-pack abs can help win political office, research has found that in general, good looking people are, in fact, treated better, earn more money and perceived as intelligent.
One such study conducted by Professor Daniel Hamermesh from the University of Texas had found that someone with belowaverage looks earning about US$20 (RM85) per hour over a 40-year career would stand to earn US$1.46 million, whereas a person with above-average looks would earn US$1.69 million.
Rather surprising as well, numerous international researches have been conducted on election candidates’ appearances, and results have shown that voters tend to prefer “more appealing” looking candidates.
It is unfair to say that the Trudeaus, Macrons and Carfagnas of the world got where they are merely on their good looks alone. Take for example, the Canadian prime minister. Aside from having refined the skill of keeping his curls absolutely perfect in all situations, he has displayed unparalleled open-mindedness to different racial and religious practices.
The arts and education graduate has appointed a perfectly gender-balanced cabinet, showed compassion when it was required, and just as important, isn’t afraid to show his ever-ready sense of humour. Of course, it does no harm to have the skills to build pillow forts with his young fans as well.
These are the traits that Malaysians are looking for in our leaders. While I am sure many public servants and leaders here in Putrajaya possess these qualities, we haven’t quite found one who possesses all these, while, at the same time, having the good looks to go along with them.
Perhaps, this polo-playing marathon-running minister may be the one we have been yearning for.
I can’t really be sure if good looks and charm alone can garner votes and win elections, but I am quite sure they will definitely bring more attention to the leader’s body, I mean ability.
Or at the very least, stop supporters from buying a lollipop the next time they hear the word “chukka” at a polo match.
Nonetheless, I look forward to see more well-groomed leaders walking in the corridors of power here in Putrajaya. azuraa@nst.com.my With more than 15 years in journalism and a masters in Counselling Psychology, the writer is always drawn to the mystery of the human mind and behaviours
Over the years, there have been the occasional goodlooking world leaders, particularly members of the royal families, who have wooed the rest of us humble citizens...