Humble Malaysians who inspire us to be resilient

THIS has been a difficult year for Malaysia, largely since the Covid-19 pandemic started. To navigate the new normal of complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity, we need leaders of humility.

We should start by being humble in admitting our shortcomings and welcoming constructive feedback. Humility will heal us economically, politically and socially.

There is something comforting about humility that brings about a caring side in a leader that can’t be faked or contrived. We must be humble in correcting the lack of equity in this country.

We have seen the disproportionate impact and great adverse conditions on vulnerable Malaysians living in urban poverty, rural and remote places, destitute and disengaged from the mainstream.

There are still those among us who have limited access to healthcare, affordable wages, decent livelihood, transportation, technology, and in equity within the educational system that render them less competitive than their peers who have it.

These challenges reared their ugly heads, thanks to Covid-19. Policymakers have extended exposure and opportunity to assess the disparities that have catapulted us into this place and correct the prevalent inequities.

We need a thoughtful analysis and policymaking that acknowledges the challenges when intervening in a complex and changing society like ours.

This piece goes out to Veveonah Mosibin from Pitas, Sabah who posted an 11-minute video entitled “24 hours on the tree challenge” to gain strong Internet access to answer examination questions.

It is also in remembrance of my aunt whose space rental and event business were severely affected, forcing her to repurpose her business strategy.

I am also cheering for Muhammad Zahir Abd Rahman, the blind masseuse who is excited to resume his business after a three-month closure as reported on June 30.

The media should publish more stories of heroic Malaysians to remind us of the positive values, such as kindness, humility and gratitude.

They are a testament that the most resilient among us don’t spend time dwelling in the negative. They are patient enough to look for opportunities even in the darkest times.

In the book Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges, authors Steven M. Southwick and Dennis S. Charney said that: “If you can cope today with all that’s happening in the world around you, then when you are on the other side of it, you’ll be stronger”.

We must be resilient and stay humble in navigating life post Covid-19 because humility will open more doors than arrogance ever will.

NUR AYUNI ZAINAL ABIDIN Presint 11, Putrajaya