THE 11th general election has concluded and the Barisan Nasional again won convincingly. Malaysians have done a very good job in exercising their rights to choose the right government.
Their votes represent their hope and desire to see their representatives giving them and the country the best possible service. During the election campaign, scores of promises were made.
The people were promised security, freedom of speech, facilities and infrastructure, as well as an open, transparent and clean government.
There was also a promise to hasten the progress and development in the economic, social and technological sectors. The pledges given during the elections are very meaningful to the majority of people, especially the needy.
They gave them hope for a better life and a promising future. The people have high hopes that all the promises will be fulfilled.
Therefore, this is the perfect time for all the representatives to fulfil their promises.
Their ability to fulfil the promises will increase the people’s confidence in them.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi mentioned that all elected Barisan Nasional representatives will be subjected to a Key Performance Index (KPI).
If they fail to achieve adequate KPI marks, “they will be cautioned, reprimanded and further action will be taken against them.”
Therefore, they have to work hard to fulfil their promises. In Islam, fulfilling promises is compulsory. In the Quran, Allah says: “Come not nigh to the orphan’s property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full
strength; and fulfil (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning)” (Surah Al-Israa, 34).
This matter is again clarified in some hadith. Abu Hurairah, reported: “Allah’s Messenger (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: Three are the signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks he tells a lie, when he makes a promise he acts treacherously and when he is trusted he betrays” (Sahih Muslim).
These two examples verify that promises or pledges that have been made to others must not be taken lightly. There will be two important implications if all the representatives fulfilled their promises.
First, it will benefit them. The leaders will be proven reliable and the voters will choose them again in the next elections.
Secondly, if the representatives handle their tasks with great confidence, the quality of life of society will be enhanced.
Malaysia’s development will be more systematic and fulfil the aspirations of the people. However, the promises will never materialise if the leaders fail to receive full support from the people.
The parties, leaders and the constituents must work together to make sure all projects are successfully implemented. The unity of the leaders and the people is vital not only to ensure success in any project or programme but also to make sure that Malaysia is on the right path of development. This kind of relationship
is desired in Islam.
It is also vital to ensure the prosperity and stability of the ummah as a whole. The Prime Minister once said: “Support a leader who supports us.”
Islam insists that leaders must possess good qualities such as being smart, full of vision, responsible, trustworthy and have high communication skills.
They must also be hardworking, dedicated and innovative. The leaders must also be pious. This is the most important factor to ensure the leaders’ success.
They must perform their duties specifically for the benefit of the nation. It is now time for the elected representatives to fulfil the people’s hopes.
The people want to see results. They want to see further progress for a better Malaysia.
The elected representatives must serve, with an open heart, not only their constituents but also all Malaysians, regardless of their racial and religious backgrounds.