IN ANY meaningful endeavour, the ability to transcend self-interest is the key for enlightened decisions and actions.

The ability to transcend involves objective standards of behaviour that are ethical and morally sound that serve the common good.

Watching the media conference of newly ordained British Prime Minister (PM) Keir Starmer brought some interesting insights about political governance.

While he was addressing various issues, one that got my attention was that he will do away with the culture that party comes first and country later.

He was referring to the culture of the previous Conservative Party that has paid more attention to party survival than the good of the country.

In Malaysia there has been a blurred distinction between both. When it comes to the crunch, party survival or individual survival takes precedence over the country.

The withdrawal of corruption charges of a particular minister in the Madani government, the constant pressure to pardon a former premier who has been convicted of corruption or the widespread irregularities in GLCs (government-linked companies) are the consequences of  a system of party first and country later.

Besides that, the tribal behaviours of political individuals during elections and silence of political parties who eloquently preach about fighting corruption in the past speaks volumes of our political culture where narrow party interest takes precedence over the nation.

Malaysia today is at the crossroads where the once cherished reformasi movement has failed because the position of premiership is critical, what more with tribal-minded alternatives that fail to discover the light at the end of the tunnel.

Therefore, our Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue would like to appeal to all Malaysians to start evaluating the ethical and moral integrity of our political leaders and system, beyond political parties before voting to ensure that they serve the country instead of being beholden to individuals and organisations that tend to preserve its self-interest.

Real change will only come if we have leaders of Integrity where ethics, morals and service to the country takes precedence over self-interest. - Jully 8, 2024

Ronald Benjamin is the secretary of Ipoh-based Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

https://focusmalaysia.my/politicians-must-prioritise-country-first-parties-second-for-malaysia-to-reap-real-seeds-of-progress/