Listening to two interviews on the radio with two different politicians made me ponder about politics and politicians. Both were asked identical questions. Both gave age-old rhetoric to address pressing economic issues and evolving health concerns. And, both claimed what they said was dissimilar from their opponent.

Integrity, accountability, transparency, inclusion and fighting corruption were highlighted. They wanted to create a clean, equitable and just environment for all. Both had me with their catch phrases, the stuff that I wanted to hear. But, what about the ‘how’s?’ How will they achieve these? For example, on corruption, they said they will not condone such deplorable acts within their respective parties. Both said they will not support those found guilty. Don’t we all? They lost me.

Agreed. It’s quicker to pick faults. It’s a lot harder to develop solutions to address on-going and newer problems. And, it’s even harder to formulate viable strategies to grow the country, and help the people, who genuinely need help. There are, naturally, some competent and capable politicians. There are also those who are mediocre. But, there are far too many bad ones who are simply not up to the job.

In Malaysia, politicians are elected by the people to serve as their Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Representatives also known as the Dewan Rakyat. Or as their Assemblyman (ADUN) within the 13 State Assemblies or Dewan Undangan Negeri or DUN. Apparently, there are 3 ways to become an MP or an Assemblyman. One – join a registered political party. But… before taking part in an election in a given constituency, he/she must first be nominated as a candidate by the party. Two – start a new political party. Register it with the Registrar of Societies (RoS). Three – run as an independent with no ties to any existing party[1]. Conditions and requirements apply. Amongst them are candidates must be Malaysian, not a bankrupt or a criminal, and be mentally sound.  

Elected MPs and Assemblyman have considerable power. They have the power to propose, vote for or reject laws that govern the country. Those who secure cabinet appointments are in enviable positions to shape the country’s finance and economy, safety and security, health and well-being, and education and skills training. They are also in charge of protecting and promoting the nation’s reputation. Real important jobs that affect people’s lives, livelihoods, their present and their children’s future. 

Hence, anyone who wants to be part of government and make decisions on behalf of – you and I, all our families and friends, plus the community, district, state and country – should be held to a higher standard and scrutiny. Plus, meet a few more requirements. Yes?

One – a level of competence or ability to do the job well, not just who you know. A fact sheet with personal and professional details. Qualification – expertise/specialism. Experience – knowledge coupled with successful track records with companies or institutions. Communication skills – languages spoken and writing skills. This will help voters gain a better insight to the background and strengths of their representatives.

I know a degree is not necessary but relevant knowledge and experience is useful to better understand issues, formulate policies and/or pass laws to simplify and/or improve people’s lives. It will be advantageous if/when the government is run like a company. Hiring on knowledge and skill-sets and matching them to department needs or ministerial requirements.

Two – a personal platform or manifesto, not just the party’s.  As part of the fact sheet, specify the reasons for entering politics, aims and plans for the people. Detail how the plans will be achieved like manpower needs and source of funds. Give examples of proposed projects (i.e., flood mitigation that involves residents, retail and industrial sectors – not just the local council and government or a volunteer-based home care for the elderly) that you will implement in your current constituency or a constituency that you want to contest in. The nature and/or meticulousness of the projects/plans will reflect how in-touch candidates are with the electorate.   

Three – humility and empathy. This is a difficult one. Humility is remaining humble, hardworking and accessible to constituents – despite the titles, authority, layers of staff in the team/department/ministry screening calls and requests, and sirens and motorcades. ‘Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less[2].’ Meanwhile, empathy is to really understand and provide what people, the ones who supported you, want and need, and not what you think they might want and need. “Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another[3].”

Four – a verifiable performance report of successes, failures, works-in-progress and policies/laws proposed/achieved. There must be accountability and responsibility to the people. Yes?

A tall order? I don’t know. Hopefully, not.