NIBONG TEBAL: A person must be knowledgeable if they are to lead, says Dr Joohari Ariffin.
"One of the most important characteristics of a leader is knowledge. If the person is not knowledgeable, they can mislead people.
"People are not stupid but they can be misinformed," said the Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Sungai Bakap state by-election at a press conference at the Sungai Bakap National Information Dissemination Centre on Sunday (July 23).
He was responding to comments by Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who said that academic qualifications cannot be used as a measure to see if someone can be a good leader.
"Having a good educational background does not necessarily mean the candidate is smart in politics. He can have a Masters degree or PhD, but if he doesn't know how to handle it, he will fail," said the Kedah Mentri Besar.
Questions had been raised on why Perikatan candidate Abidin Ismail's educational credentials were not highlighted in the candidates profile.
In response, Joohari – who was a teacher, a certified trainer and coach and also has a PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia – said his background as a teacher placed him in good stead.
"It is the second most trusted profession in the world, right after doctors. I am confident that voters here (in Sungai Bakap) will make the right decision when voting," he said.
