Emulate Gandhi, Ridhuan Tee tells Umno

 

Controversial academic Ridhuan Tee has roped in Confucius and Mahatma Gandhi in his message to Umno ahead of its annual general assembly, which starts tomorrow.

In his latest column published in Sinar Harian, he quoted the words of Confucius that in order to be a leader, one must take care of his wife and children well because people are watching.

And in order to ensure that all is well at home, he said one must have a noble and exemplary character as well as a clean heart.

“My question is - are there Umno people with such qualities? Do they really prioritise the people and can serve as role models?” he asked.

Ridhuan (right) also questioned if those in Umno are genuine in wanting to uphold their religion, race and nation.

Travelling to India, Ridhuan said: “Umno, emulate the leaders of the past, who were willing to sacrifice. Mahatma Gandhi was one of India’s greatest leaders, who often journeyed in a train’s third-class compartment.”

“When asked, why as a great leader, he did not travel in first class, Gandhi replied: ‘I chose third class, because there is no fourth class’,” he added.

According to Gandhi, Ridhuan said, a sinful leader is one who is without principles, seeking to be rich but lazy to work, and eventually indulging in corruption.

'Good or bad must be experienced together'

“Are there still leaders like Gandhi now?

“I don’t mean that we have to be paupers or dress in tattered clothes. What is meant is that leaders must be with the people and understand their hearts. Good or bad must be experienced together,” he added.

He warned that Umno is running out of time and therefore must rise before it is too late. The academic provided several points to be followed, which are:

1) To possess Islamic values and to ensure that one can serve as a role model. Leaders must  remember that they have been entrusted with a position and there is judgment here and in the hereafter.

2) Do not be apple polishers for it invites catastrophe. Reprimand leaders openly if they make mistakes. Reprimand his or her family, if need be. Reprimand even if it is the king, for they too are just humans.

3) Battle corruption and reject leaders who are corrupt. Do not back stab.

4) Do not invite the wrath of Allah with sins and vices.

Finally, Ridhuan said Umno must remember the words of its late founding father Onn Jaafar, who once remarked that the fate of Malays can only be sustained through unity.

During the second Umno general assembly in 1950, Ridhuan said Onn withdrew from the top post and did not wished to be nominated.

“It is obvious that power was not everything to him. But now, (people) will be willing to die in power to live in luxury. Awaken Umno, before it is too late,” he added.