ENOUGH is enough. The calls for changes to our leadership are strong.

Many in Keluarga Malaysia are wounded and we need healers. We thought our leaders were the healers with wisdom, compassion, and even selflessness, but their bedside manner is lacking. We know our darkness well but they couldn’t care less. They are neither the candle nor the mirror that can reflect the light that we badly need.

The results of the 14th general election were exceptional. This monumental event felt like a new independence day. The results were painfully shocking for the dethroned ruling coalition and joyfully shocking for the opposition.

Malaysians’ curiosity then was like the wick in the candle of learning. They thought the new leaders had candles in their hearts, ready to be kindled, even if they were small.

Since then, we have had three new governments.

We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future.

But we forget candles cannot burn without fire and also, to light it will cast a shadow. These new candles are too smart. They know candles die making others happy and are not willing to sacrifice themselves.

They know how not to burn their fingers while snuffing out other candles. This is special because many of them are mediocre and do not possess the passion and virtues that are needed to protect and cherish.

We need to replace this set of leaders. Really, they are the wind that extinguishes candles and fans fires.

The light will not be dimmed since we have more than 70 of them that can burn continuously because happiness never decreases when it is shared. We are not worried if the flames flicker, but we don’t seem to have the spark to start the fire in the first place.

For political leaders, in this long night that is full of pain and darkness, please be a candle spreading the light until dawn. You are a candle, true. But we need ones that are lit.

Reputation is only a candle with wavering flame that is easily extinguished, but it is the light the world looks to. We want you to be like a candle with a mission – to illuminate a path through the darkness, to do your job diligently and with enthusiasm, to be morally upright and deeply compassionate. At some point, you will fade and it will be your turn to make use of someone else’s light.

Blowing out someone else’s candle doesn’t make yours shine any brighter.

When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric bulb, he had to do so by firelight. I’m sure it made the work seem that much more urgent.

Sometimes, candles are left to burn to the very end, and other times blown out while there is much remaining wax. In the words of Elton John, “your candle burned out long before your legend ever did”.

Imagine what your life would look like if you stayed lit and were the brightest candle you could ever be for all? What do you think that would look like for you? – May 30, 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.