The importance of principled politicians in democratic elections

Choose wisely: Voters need to look out for unprincipled and inconsistent politicians who only serve their own narrow political interests regardless of the welfare of citizens and the country, says the writer. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

IN a democracy like Malaysia, the role of politicians is of utmost importance as they are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the will and aspirations of the people. However, with the stakes of electoral victories being high, many politicians are tempted to compromise their principles and consistency for short-term gains.

In the light of the upcoming state elections, I shall delve into the crucial reasons why politicians should uphold principles and remain consistent even when facing the polls. I will explore the merits of principled leadership, the dangers of inconsistency, and the indispensable need for public trust in a thriving democratic system like Malaysia.

Principled leadership is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. When politicians base their decisions on a strong set of principles, they are seen as prioritising the welfare of their constituents above personal gain or partisan interests.

This approach ensures that policies are formulated with a long-term vision rather than being subject to short-sighted whims. By adhering to principles, politicians demonstrate sincerity and credibility to the public, fostering trust and confidence in their abilities. The adherence to principles and the attitude of consistency gives clarity to the voters.

Principled politicians can inspire the masses with their vision and conviction. Their commitment to truth, justice, progress, and the creation of a truly united Malaysia will earn them respect not only from their immediate followers but also from the global community. Principled politicians serve as beacons of hope, providing citizens with a sense of direction and unity in times of uncertainty.

Consistency is equally vital for politicians, as it complements principled leadership. Voters need to know that their elected representatives will remain steadfast in their promises and decisions.

Inconsistency raises doubts about a politician’s sincerity and his/her ability to fulfil the commitments made during the campaign period. How can you trust a politician who keeps wavering in his/her behaviour merely to win votes?

The political landscape in Malaysia has seen various alliances and coalitions formed over the years, and these collaborations often reflect the complexities and challenges of democratic politics.

However, when parties or politicians with differing ideologies come together purely for electoral purposes, it can indeed raise questions about their principled and consistent positions.

PAS is seen as a conservative Islamic party that advocates for the implementation of Islamic law (sharia) in Malaysia. Bersatu, founded by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has positioned itself as a Malay nationalist party.

However, developments in Bersatu found Dr Mahathir being ousted from the party in 2020. The former two-time prime minister then went on to form another Malay-based party which he subsequently chose to leave.

Furthermore, Dr Mahathir has been strongly critical of PAS for more than half a century. The parties’ divergent ideologies and policy stances are seemingly at odds with each other, creating ambiguity in their principled approaches.

Throughout his long career, Dr Mahathir has been associated with different political parties and ideologies, which may also give rise to scepticism about the sincerity of his political motivations.

The same inconsistency in principles between Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the current president of Bersatu, and PAS is recorded in Malaysian political history. All these types of political positioning give rise to perceptions of inconsistency and an undermining of principles.

When politicians sacrifice principles for immediate electoral gains, they risk losing the trust of the thinking Malaysian voter. An inconsistent politician may take contradictory positions depending on the audience he/she addresses, leaving voters unsure of his/her true intentions.

This inconsistency breeds cynicism and disillusionment, causing citizens to disengage from the political process altogether. The erosion of public trust has far- reaching consequences for democracy.

Disillusioned citizens may refrain from voting, leading to lower voter turnout and reduced representation. Additionally, a lack of trust can give rise to social unrest and destabilise the foundations of a nation.

Public trust is the cornerstone of a well-functioning democratic system in Malaysia.

When politicians are principled and consistent, they build public trust, demonstrating their commitment to serving the interests of the nation and its people. Trustworthy leaders create a sense of accountability, as citizens believe that their representatives will act in their best interests.

Moreover, public trust in politicians encourages civic participation and engagement in the democratic process. When Malaysians believe that their voices matter and that their votes can bring about positive change, they are more likely to actively participate in elections and public affairs.

When leaders prioritise the greater good over personal gain, citizens can see that their interests are genuinely being served. This fosters loyalty and commitment to the democratic process.

Essentially, it is important for politicians to have principles and remain consistent even during elections.

Principled leadership empowers politicians to govern with a long-term vision, and consistency is the key to building and maintaining public trust, which is essential for a thriving democracy.

When politicians uphold principles and consistency, they pave the way for progress, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the societies they serve.

By electing and supporting such leaders, we can fulfil the promise of democracy and unlock its potential for positive change.

Unprincipled and inconsistent politicians only serve their own narrow political interests regardless of the welfare of the citizens and the country.

It would be wise for citizens to wake up and smell the reality.

Senior lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is the founder of Rapera, a movement which encourages thinking and compassion among Malaysians. The views expressed here are entirely his own.