By: Natalie Shobana Ambrose
theSun, Malaysia (pg 15) December 12, 2013
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/columns/onpointe
In rare show of global
solidarity, the world pays tribute to Nelson Mandela. Yet as Madiba's long road
to freedom is being recounted, there are many others who are shamelessly taking
the opportunity to ride on his coattails and find some parallel link to the
great leader's legacy making light of his immeasurable contribution to
humanity.
Juxtaposed against
news of the passing of a leader who championed equality was xenophobic
headlines to change our country's slogan from "Malaysia" to
"1Melayu". It's shocking how we have disgracefully moved a long way
away from the days when our passport did not allow for travel to South Africa
in solidarity for Mandela's anti-apartheid struggle.
Instead of cheapening
the legacy of Mandela and associating it with the skewed political agenda and
personal vindication soapbox rhetoric, perhaps our leaders might want to
emulate the qualities behind the causes Mandela championed and the wisdom
behind the decisions he made.
RAINBOW NATION
When in office, Nelson
Mandela expounded on Archbishop Desmond Tutu's term "Rainbow Nation",
which captures the incredible multicultural essence of South Africa, something
we share in common – the diversity of ethnicities and peoples.
Now we can look at
diversity as a problem or we take the perspective that it makes us richer and
more balanced.
However for some
reason while Mandela worked tirelessly against deep racial divide, our
politicians operate under the guise of unity on one hand, while on the other
hand aggressively fanning the flames of racism.
How do we transcend
from such prejudices when politicians are hell-bent on the divide and conquer
rule?
As difficult as it was
for Mandela to champion his country's rugby team which stood as a symbol of
apartheid, the simple act of donning a Springbok rugby jersey at the 1995 World
Cup was the catalyst to unimaginable change. He put into practice the slogan
"One team, One Country" and he set the example.
Perhaps it's time to
take stock of our national prejudices which were so well documented in the news
coverage of a recent general assembly. It's not just our racial prejudices that
need to be checked but our religious prejudices, lifestyle prejudices,
political affiliation and even social prejudices that stop us from reaping the
intangible and immense benefits of being a true rainbow nation.
THE ONE-TERM PRESIDENT
If we comb the pages
of history, we will be hard-pressed to find a leader who decided beforehand to
only serve one term and to stick with that decision. Yet after years of
struggle and spending almost 27 years in prison, Mandela carried through his
decision and was not drunk with power, stepping down after serving a term of
five years.
In an age where
leaders hold on to power as the people take to the streets demanding their
resignation, it is rare and near impossible to find true leadership that is as
visionary and gracious as his.
What is also admirable
is that as a former president, he played the role of reconciliation once in
retirement. Besides the many causes he championed, Mandela was part of The
Elders, a group made up of public figures, statesmen, human rights advocates
and peace activists brought together to use their collective experience and
political independence to work on solutions of "intractable
conflicts".
Mandela stood for the
greater good and not for personal gain. Sadly, I wonder if we can say the same
of our former and present leaders. Not just in our country but even within the
Asean region.
Where is that level of
graciousness, humility and true vision that is able to rise above injustices,
focus on a shared future and champions democracy for the good of the country,
serving all regardless of who they voted for?
If parallels must be
drawn, then measure it by how well reconciliation is championed within this
country, how opposing views are treated in this country and how truly genuine
are the words of reform reflected in this country.
Only when our leaders
have shown the grace, stature and wisdom of a leader like Mandela, can
parallels be drawn.
Natalie
believes that leaders should not just pay tribute in words to Nelson Mandela
but follow the example he set.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
On Pointe, theSun (page 15) http://www.thesundaily.my/node/233960
