The governance conundrum


WE are living through a period that keeps forcing us to confront an uncomfortable question: why have good leaders become so rare? This is not a wistful look back at a romanticised past or golden age. It is a recognition that leadership, as a societal function, seems to have drifted from its moral centre.

Governance is difficult at the best of times, but it becomes nearly impossible when those entrusted with authority lose sight of the greater purpose that public office demands. When leaders stop acting as custodians of the people’s trust, society begins to lose its own sense of direction. This erosion does not happen overnight. It accumulates through small compromises, quiet retreats and a steady preference for political security over ethical clarity.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Ivanpal Singh Grewal

Ivanpal Singh Grewal

Ivanpal Singh Grewal is an advocate & solicitor. He was formerly political secretary to the Plantation and Commodities minister.

Next In Columnists

Malaysia urged to issue extradition request for Israeli President Isaac Herzog
Hannah Yeoh lands in hot seat
How silence fuels KL rubbish crisis�
Curious tempest over temples
Will KL have an elected mayor?
Wartime-like mobilisation effort for Malaysian education
Grassroots development can succeed with better collab between BAM and states
The return of BTS on world stage
Tracing origins of Penang heritage food
Calm under pressure – why Arsenal now control the title race

Others Also Read