PLATO thought democracy was a terrible system, a prelude to tyranny, giving power to selfish and dangerous demagogues. It produces incompetent and dishonest political leaders, exploits people’s credulity and thrives on emotion-driven discourse and fake news.

Voters who elected them tolerated the predatory set-up, the so called, “of the people, by the people, for the people” – the mother of lies.

In Malaysia, the line between supporting and idolising politicians is not murky anymore. We treat them like celebrities, put them on a pedestal and see them as perfect human beings. Not even a handful have been convicted for wrongdoings. Today, even the one that has been convicted has celebrity status. We also expect so much personal favours, especially from supporters, so much so that “cash is king”.

Supporters don’t question their leader’s actions adequately. When caught for bad behavior, followers believe the leader’s argument that “nothing was wrong” and brush off charges as them being victims of political vendettas.

Voters don’t have well-founded preferences; most pay little attention to real politics, vote irrationally and decide on the basis of social identities, partisan loyalties and those good at rhetorical games but not on competency and plans for the future direction of the country. And of course, money.

Many don’t understand cause and long-term effects, and generally favour policies that enhance their own well-being.

Voters more likely will elect incompetent leaders when they feel the previous one personally betrayed them or if the alternative is worse (“The Devil We Know”).

Generally, people have been propagandised, cowed and treated with cynical disregard of their rights until they adore the parties and personalities whose boots are grinding their faces willingly… being sacrificed on the altar.

Are the majority of voters political hedonists?

Politicians need to reward supporters, buy off opponents or simply accumulate personal wealth and bask in the admiration of their supporters. Hence, forge alliances with business groups or create projects.

Development is the mantra but who gets the most benefit and are the projects really viable?

Corrupt politicians are strategic agents, withholding or manipulating information and emphasising other dimensions relevant to voters’ decision-making to cover up bad performance. They will avoid blame for unpopular actions and claim credit for popular initiatives from the civil service. Scapegoating, “passing the buck” and defection is the norm.

Difficult to eliminate but corruption will reduce if the power structure and public mindset change. Transparent processes, objective media, merit-based values, well-informed civil society, strict law enforcement, accountability and transparency are a must.

The media must ask pressing questions, not stereotypical ones and not let politicians off the hook.

We also need enlightened rulers because political corruption is parasitic and people will depend on it as income. They sometimes ignore corruption if politicians do their jobs well; the “extra salary” can’t hurt. But consider how those results were obtained.

Corruption is everywhere including in elections. The causes are always contextual – policies, bureaucracy, political development, and social history.

Don’t we see how much was spent on TV advertising, banners, party workers and ceramah? If we don’t, how about the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)? Are there not enough laws and oversight committees?

In February 2012, the then PM said the government would soon regulate financing for all political parties through a new initiative under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP). Was it ever done?

Politicians change their colours very quickly.

Now, we need leaders to lead change, propose sustainable development and care for the rakyat. We don’t need negative leaders who attack others and focus on the past. Positive leaders attack the problem and focus on the future.

Are we happy with the standards expected of those running our country? They are supposed to keep the government clean and effective and are accountable to the people. Who keeps account of their performance and really, who are they accountable to? Remember, they get a pension.

Every society gets the leadership it deserves. Bad leaders are elected by good people who do not vote. Good leaders are elected, and kneeling down and praying, can’t do it.

Do we still need the same old politicians, dressed in new robes?

Today, we have different clusters of politicians and to pull off the glutted leech and attach the lean one, we can’t even choose among the lean ones.

What say you… – March 10, 2022.

* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.