ANOTHER Sept 16 and another Malaysia Day has passed, and we turned 60 as a nation. We are living in an era of extremes where sensationalism dominates. To get noticed on crowded social media, many go overboard. Our young risk their lives to take selfies and videos at the edge of tall buildings and, sadly, many have died.
Our political actors pick the worst examples from among their opponents and promote them as mainstream – to paint the worst picture possible about the other. They also go to extremes to point out our differences; things that separate us. Not things that bring us together, like shared values.
In the corporate world, we must be watchful too. For example, we must be measured in dealing with multigenerational challenges instead of falling into rigid stereotyping, comparing, and being condescending.
It takes wisdom to be measured. Being measured is a choice and a responsibility. We must be measured in our thoughts and actions, and when the foolish go to extremes, we must remain steadfast and not react in similar fashion, but instead offer peace.
Being measured is a sign of a beautiful Malaysian. In politics, we use the Rukun Negara and Federal Constitution as our compass – both are measured documents prepared by measured leaders, our forefathers.
In dealing with multigenerational challenges we must practice the six Cs: communicate, compromise, complement, collaborate, and show compassion, and commitment. Ultimately our business and corporate goals are to serve customers, not our generational desires.
To be measured, our young must remember who they are as a person; their character and contributions speak louder than the photos and videos they post on social media. In Bahasa Malaysia, being measured is “berpada- pada”. Let us stay berpada-pada and move forward as a nation. Don’t overdo it. Don’t underdo it. Do it just right.
“Anybody can become angry – that is easy. But to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.” – Aristotle
ANAS ZUBEDY
Kuala Lumpur
