Present problems can’t be solved by divine intervention
We must end malfeasance and crime here and now, not wait for divine revelations from above.
By TK Chua
I find it odd that Malaysians in general and politicians in particular like to talk about concepts like “karma”, “God ordained” and “divine intervention”, as well as harp on one’s past when discussing national issues.
Often when an individual is faced with a tough situation, they resort to short justifications or explanations by using one of those terms above.
When Dr Mahathir Mohamad struggled with certain protracted issues when he first started out as a politician, he blamed the British and our colonial past. How their use of the strategies of “divide and rule”, marginalisation and exploitation caused ills to the Malays and the country.
Now the country is in a predicament again and what could be more convenient than to blame Mahathir? Our corruption, malfeasance, mismanagement, and breaking down of institutions are all due to Mahathir. Instead of solving our problems, we are busy finding someone to blame.
I believe not very far into the future, we will blame the present prime minister if our present problems are not resolved quickly enough.
Our present problems require “down-to-earth” and professional solutions, not finger-pointing. In management, we always tell our people to look for solutions and not engage in the blame game. But why is it that when it comes to national issues, we act differently?
When Mahathir acts in a certain manner now, we must realise that his position and circumstances have changed. Why don’t we consider his concerns and anxiety for this nation instead of attributing everything to his “karma”?
I believe many of us vividly remember Samy Vellu’s infamous “act of God” explanation for natural disasters. What an eloquent and succinct way to evade responsibility and be held accountable to the people.
Similarly, we use terms like “divine intervention” and “God ordained” to evade responsibility and to justify untenable events or decisions.
When a leader is “God ordained”, how do we hold him to account for his decisions? He is no different from the emperor of a bygone era governing the country with a “mandate” from heaven. He must go on until the whole nation suffers and the empire caves in.
When malfeasance and intractable events are explained in terms of “divine intervention”, there is no need for accountability. All events can be explained as the will of God; the leaders play no part in it.
Which part do we not understand when it is said that worldly problems require worldly solutions? We need to solve our problems here and now, not wait for divine revelations. Malfeasance and crimes need to be tackled and punished now, not by waiting for karma or divine retribution to strike.
TK Chua is an FMT reader.
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