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Saturday, December 6, 2008

Back to Basics -- Traits of a Good Politician

Politics consists of "social relations involving authority or power" and refers to the regulation of a political unit, and to the methods and tactics used to formulate and apply policy.

Political science (also political studies) is the study of political behavior and examines the acquisition and application of power. Related areas of study include political philosophy, which seeks a rationale for politics and an ethic of public behavior, and public administration, which examines the practices of governance.

The Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-471 BCE) was one of the first thinkers to adopt a distinct approach to political philosophy. His philosophy was "rooted in his belief that a ruler should learn self-discipline, should govern his subjects by his own example, and should treat them with love and concern." His political beliefs were strongly linked to personal ethics and morality, believing that only a morally upright ruler who possessed "de", or virtue, should be able to exercise power, and that the behavior of an individual ought to be consistent with their rank in society.

He stated that "Good government consists in the ruler being a ruler, the minister being a minister, the father being a father, and the son being a son."

The spate of demonstrations and public voicing that are mis-directed that we have so recently witnessed right here on the shores of Malaysia are akin to being embattled in a civil war. One that pits brother against brother -- inside us we are all the same. Now tell me, we certainly do not need a civil war to guide us and shape us like the one in America, do we?

The art and act of good government can exist when the leaders acknowledge that they serve the people of the nation. Overkill to say that they are sworn to protect them as well. Malaysians = Citizens of Malaysia. Are you a Citizen or a Foreigner?


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