Good leaders just need honesty, integrity

Alfian Z.M. Tahir Alfian Z.M. Tahir Updated 6 years ago · Published on 2 Aug 2019 1:05PM · 6 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad shares his thought on what makes a good leader at the 10th university scholars’ leadership symposium in Shah Alam, Selangor today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, August 2, 2019.

A LEADER must be honest and have integrity, and this is not rocket science, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told student leaders at a symposium in Shah Alam, Selangor today.

Speaking at the 10th university scholars’ leadership symposium (USLS), the prime minister said any leader who is not honest and without integrity will be corrupt.

“It’s not rocket science, it is an everyday value. Firstly, a leader must have integrity and honesty as without them, the leader will be corrupt and untrustworthy.

“Next, the leader must be willing to work hard and to have pride in (his) work.

“A leader must have the hunger for knowledge and be aware of the changes around him.”

Dr Mahathir also said being humble doesn’t make a leader weak but allows him to be closer to the people.

“It brings you closer to those who supported you and make you a better leader.

“If a leader loses touch with the people and supporters, he ceases to be a leader.”

Often called a dictator during his first stint as prime minister under Barisan Nasional, Dr Mahathir said being egoistical will also make for a leader unable to accept criticism and different opinions.

“Another value that is probably underrated is humility. Without it, ego is what that drives the leader.

“Of course, there are those that argue that ego can be positive as it makes a leader determined and competitive. But (an) ego can also be disruptive.”

Dr Mahathir was the fourth prime minister under BN but led Pakatan Harapan to victory last May and returned as the seventh PM, replacing Najib Razak who is facing a series of corruption charges.

Dr Mahathir quit Umno in 2016 after falling out with Najib after he accused the Pekan MP of stealing billions of ringgit from 1Malaysia Development Berhad. – August 2, 2019.

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Comments

  • Ego is selfish, humility is selfless, as simple as that.

    Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Selfless is a breakthrough in the present life, a gate to divinity.

    Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • 'A LEADER must be honest and have integrity'

    Good.

    Let's begin by fulfilling the election manifesto, shall we?

    Posted 6 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • Many of the MBs and some of the Cabinet ministers chosen do not have these traits so what is Tun M going to do about it?

    Posted 6 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • "Good leaders JUST need honesty, integrity" ... emphasis is mine. I beg to differ. While honesty and integrity are per-requisites, they are not sufficient. I would like to offer as an example, the late TGNA. Most people would agree that he was a man of honesty and integrity, but how had Kelantan fared under PAS rule all these years? If we are to believe that Mazlee is also a man of honesty and integrity, look at how he is killing our children's future with his bungling.

    Posted 6 years ago by Yoon Kok · Reply

  • Impose if levy and hiddentaxation are not honesty or integrity so as simple as that.

    Posted 6 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply