Saturday 4 November 2006

A man’s not a man when he doesn’t admit his wrongs

A man builds a mansion without the proper authorisation. This same man has a restaurant built on land that wasn’t even his to begin with. It belongs to the government. His family members have been nominated to hold positions of power in the local municipality. This man has also failed to pay assessment fees for his own house—which is an understatement considering it’s now a palace—together with two other buildings under him. Other follies of his include backing a project that would have deprived people a place to have their walks, exercise and other healthy doings and breaching party ethics during political polls. Yet, this seemingly pompous and discourteous man has humble beginnings; he was a former railway gatekeeper and office boy. The Sultan of the state summons him, wanting to get to the bottom of this, but he informs the His Royal Highness he is ill from hypertension. This man was so ill apparently that he had to travel to another state and “recuperate” by celebrating a festivity ironically would no doubt increase his hypertension because of the sumptuous fare that would have greeted him and his family. He lies during a period where sins are severely frowned upon and simply ignores the same people he was entrusted to lead. So how do you respect a man who wears sunglasses when summoned to speak of his actions? You can’t deny the fact that he has done his part, and some good has come from it but going easy on him when a small time restaurateur had his extensions demolished almost immediately because he forgot to submit the proposal earlier on is akin to exonerating the now disgraced politician without even a trial to begin with.

Why do former leaders think it’s all right to berate and tarnish current leaders and do so without the merest hint of regret thinking they’re doing it because in their mind it’s the right thing to do? And I hate when they say, “It’s for their own good,” or “I’m doing this for the good of the people,” when it’s nothing more than a veneer to divert attention from their own insecurities. The people are grateful for what they have done. You could say that without such leadership the country wouldn’t be near where it is now. But it’s time for them to let go and let others lead for they have a job to do. What they need is teamwork, positivity and sometimes a pat on the back; they don’t need constant scrutiny and disparaging criticism. It’ll make the toughest of people even nervous. Let’s also admit that during their time they’ve made mistakes. No one is perfect, hello. It’s okay to admit them, but instead they choose the proud route, why should I admit my faults when I can point someone else’s?

The small people are always the first casualties simply because they have no power whatsoever when those who are above them, who often deign to do things for them, wield their magical wands with an air of extreme derision and smugness. It’s okay for the big guys to take 3 steps out of the line but if a petty person treads even half a step he’ll find himself the recipient of a cruel and senseless punishment. It’s also funny to note that people who speak about “upholding the law” and “no one is above the law” are the ones who flout them unflinchingly and sleep well at night when their actions have caused nothing but pain to those who have to bear the consequences.

Apologising and publicly repenting your actions means absolutely nothing when you don’t follow up by rebuilding your already destroyed image. It is never too late to admit your wrongs and trying your best to regain the respect and love lost. But if you’re going to hide yourself in a corner hoping that it will all go away only makes you a coward. It’s a far worse title for a person formerly held in high-esteem.

We all know that there are always two sides to a coin and he is after all still entitled to a fair trial. His backers and supporters will surely defend him till the end because there’s no other way and it doesn’t make sense if they were to turn around and say that “Oh yes, he pinched my bum once. Very rude indeed.” But when evidence is so against you the right thing to do would be to say sorry. It’s the first step only a real man can do redeem himself.

Gute Nacht und Gutes Glück.

PS: This is by no means a personal attack on any person or organisation of any kind. This is merely sentiments from a disgruntled citizen who’s had enough with double-standards and abuse of power. It’s time we stand up for us.

PPS: My other blog is updated! Check it out! Go on!

9 comments:

kirana said...

As much as I hate to admit this, I sometimes think that it's better to be like former Singapore PM Lee Kuan Yew, who holds the "Minister Mentor" position after he stepped down from being PM. At least he knows that he still craves that little bit of power and attention once in awhile. Unlike certain people who claim to have had enough but then belittle the present administration with baseless accusations.

"Dah bersara tu, buatlah cara orang bersara" -Sultan of Johor Darul Takzim-


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Syar said...

what a scandal that's been hogging up our front pages. I really hate thinking about whose hands this country's in right now.

I also want to say, that I'd love to comment more on your blog (and the new review blog because I agree, the prestige just plain rocked) but beta + kdu servers = syar not commenting.

Syar said...

Neil gaiman's fragile things, I want!

you have the hardcover now?

elasticwaistbandlady said...

Hey, I didn't know that you had another blog. So, that makes you a "Blog God" as well as a "Metal God?"

Politics seem to be the same the world over. Sheisters, hoods, and the unscrupulous running the show. Just know that you hardly suffer alone, as political corruption seems to be a Universal language, which reminds me......today is election day here, and I'm leaving to vote in a few minutes. There's only one or two candidates I like, the rest just fir into some of my ideals, but I'm not excited about them. :(

Anonymous said...

I agree with you: "But when evidence is so against you the right thing to do would be to say sorry. It’s the first step only a real man can do redeem himself." Absolutely, absolutely.

The problem with the world is that people are so caught up with trying to justify themselves instead of looking to rectify the situation. It's that inherent part of the human condition that hangs onto the last string of pride before the absolute fall. But to grapple for the last bit of pride guarantees a fall regardless of circumstance.

Apologizing does not necessarily mean that one is admitting fault, or coming to terms with their wrongs, even though most of the time it is the case (and your examples were pointed to that), but it is also the attempt to rebuild a botched relationship. I can immediatley think of another situation (namely something that happened on the news a couple months ago) that can neatly apply to this.

Another great entry by the awesome Christo! My fave one yet! =) I'm also reading your other blog.. great stuff, tho our music taste are like on polar ends. =P Take care!

Chris said...

Kirana: I second what you say man.

Syar: Maybe you can try and bypass the proxy set by your administrators. Google it.

And yeah, I have the hardcover but not the very "hard" cover Fragile Things. Ugh. I hope it helps. Another great offering from the great Gaiman.

Lady Elastic: If you're a Democrat, yay! If you're not then um, whoops!

Marz: Even if you don't mean it, just saying sorry can make the difference. But when the ego's the size of Texas, there ain't sorry to be said.

And thanks to all for the meritorious tributes. I'll treat you guys when I see you!

Chris said...

Marz: I forgot to add that while I'm a fervent metalhead I'm also a peace-lover. Really. :)

Anonymous said...

I'll trust that you would be a peace lover. =) Hehe! Looking forward to out next meet up already, even though 'when' exactly is still in the unknown. =)

elasticwaistbandlady said...

chris- I'm a "recovering Republican!" I'm actually registered as an Independent now, and I take politic elections on a case by case basis now, instead of toeing a party line.