Grow up, act like a leader and live with the brickbats

FORMER US president Barack Obama was once asked how he responded to criticism. His response was simple: Focus on what is important (he referred to it as his “North Star”). “And then I just don’t watch TV,” he quipped.

But things are quite different in Malaysia. Political leaders are beyond reproach, or so they think.

Anyone who dares cross that line can and will be hauled up by law enforcers and bundled into the lockup, as recently happened when two men were imprudent enough to voice their disapproval of a certain state leader.

As a result, the police are tied up in a meaningless investigation when there are more important things to focus on, such as objectionable activities in high places.

We preach tolerance, and most of us ordinary folk live with criticism in some form. Otherwise, the police would already have their hands full investigating even the slightest of slights on social media.

One cannot help but wonder why only the more immature and less tolerant among us get elected to high office.

We talk a lot about becoming a developed nation, about tolerance, about living in harmony. On the other hand, our leaders continue to act like people leading third world nations.

Remember Robert Mugabe, the African despot who ran his country to the ground?

In 2013, he signed into law the Public Order and Security Act, that effectively told his people to “put up (with him) and shut up ... or else”.

The equally low level of tolerance for criticism in this country is uncanny, given how much assurance has been given about freedom of expression. At least Mugabe had no pretences.

Rather than act like a child, (remember the constant refrain at school?: “Teacher, he called me ‘stupid’.”) these politicians could perhaps act more like leaders.

Critics of political leaders, for the most part, react to controversial or wrong decisions, irresponsible acts, uncalled remarks and most of all, gaffes.

In the case of that state leader, let us not even talk about leadership skills. Even basic human sensibilities are not his forte.

Proceeding with the demolition of a Hindu temple despite promising to forewarn the MIC, referring to his critics of a certain racial group as “drunk on the toddy of popularity” and threatening to cut off water supply to another state, are unacceptable actions for a leader.

It is no wonder he invites so much criticism.