DECEMBER , 2022 | THE HEALTH

DIFFERENT STROKES

BY ADI SATRIA

While the world ’ s economy has opened up postpandemic , we still see cases of Covid-19 with new variants continuing to be of concern . We still wear masks to be safe as the onus is on our responsibility . Although the mortality rate has dropped , it can give us a false and dangerous sense of security that all is well .

In China , lockdowns in cities like Shanghai , Beijing and Guangzhou continue to be implemented , which has negatively impacted the economy . The Chinese government takes the cases seriously as their massive population can trigger an even more significant outbreak if they are not vigilant .

They are a resilient people and they take everything seriously . It ’ s the only way to move forward , stay ahead in the global competitive economy , and defend itself from external threats to undermine their economic growth .

As I pen this piece , we have finally got a new Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Nov 22 , five days after the 15th General Elections ( GE15 ) with no single party commanding a simple majority . However , through the desire of the King , the various parties set aside their differences and agreed to form a unity government for the sake of the rakyat and to face the political and economic challenges in the coming months .

The once mighty Barisan Nasional experienced its worst-ever defeat . I look at the political leaders in extreme stress mode and must salute them for their strength and determination to find a solution to the crisis .

You may wonder how they can survive the stress and what is their health secret . At that time our newly minted 75-year-old Prime Minister could still have a sense of humour when he jokingly told the press before his appointment that there was still a vacancy for the post of Prime Minister and if anyone of them wanted to apply for the job .

Politicians are superhumans . I know some of them who were my classmates and schoolmates , and the last Prime Minister was also my former student . Their schedule is very tight and hectic .

They have to start from the bottom in the branch of their political party . If they work in Kuala Lumpur , they have to return weekly to their constituencies to take care of their supporters if they want to be elected

The once mighty Barisan Nasional experienced its worst-ever defeat . I look at the political leaders in extreme stress mode and must salute them for their strength and determination to find a solution to the crisis .”

as a Member of Parliament or State Assemblyman . They have to strike a balance between their political ambitions , career and family life . All these require physical and mental resilience .

Mental attitude is a key factor

It is no wonder that during GE15 , one candidate died one day before polling and another on the morning of polling day , leading to two by-elections being held in December . The campaign had undoubtedly taken a toll on them and many campaign workers .

The oldest Prime Minister that we and indeed the world has ever had

ADI SATRIA , a veteran in the marketing communications industry , has seen the tumultuous journey of the political landscape , particularly during the last decade . He hopes the uncharted territory the country is moving into with the new unity government will change the fortunes of Malaysia for the better . was Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad , who became the 7th Prime Minister for the second time at the age of 93 in 2018 .

Although he lost in GE15 at the age of 97 , it is also a sign that young voters are looking for younger candidates who will have to face the national and global crisis more efficiently and dynamically .

If Mahathir ’ s famous tip for longevity is “ stop eating before you are full ” what is Anwar ’ s tip for his boundless energy ?

I know him from my student days when we were involved in student union activities . His food routine is quite simple and moderate . He follows the ‘ sunnah ’ or practice of the Prophet in fasting every Monday and Thursday . It shows in his physical form , looking fit and without a fat belly , unlike many people half his age .

Besides daily physical exercises , the other key element is mental attitude . A positive one with certain goals set for one to move forward in a confident manner to overcome any obstacles and challenges .

When you look at the trials and tribulations , both physical and mental , that he has undergone throughout his political career , it is something that no ordinary mortal can achieve .

Beaten up and imprisoned not once but twice , it takes a strong person who believes in his calling and duty to achieve his goal . Numerous accusations have been leveled at him ; some are defamatory .

Voters ’ changing perception

Indeed , the mental attitude and faith in facing numerous failures will take a toll on anyone . Yet he overcame them . It is the stuff that makes a truly strong political leader , not unlike many who face even worse situations .

In the political battle these days , it is easy to look at idealism especially in the confines of a comfortable air-conditioned room with a computer to battle in cyberspace .

But the political reality is different as one also faces the enemy within . The most damning situation is when you discover your own supporters betraying you - Brutus in Shakespeare ’ s Julius Caesar and Raja Mendeliar and Kitul in the Melaka Sultanate as described in Sejarah Melayu . Overcoming these situations requires a leader to make decisions that test his political savviness .

In this so-called ‘ Mother of all Elections ’ we have seen many surprises . A once powerful party was defeated badly while another one suddenly won big . A once mighty leader was humiliated and even lost his deposit while his party did not win even a single seat . A number of prominent leaders on every side of the political divide were also defeated .

It shows that voters have changed their perception of political parties and their leaders . Whether this is a sign of good things for the country remains to be seen . But one thing is for sure , our country will never be the same again .

Political awareness and , hopefully maturity are happening and the journey must be carefully treaded to move ahead successfully . We cannot afford to go down the path of retrogression , conservatism and more corruption and worse still , radicalism based on an ideology of race and misguided religion . – The Health