Looking at the newspaper headlines in recent weeks, open discussions with regards to the future of political parties in this country, amid the result of the recently concluded general election appear almost daily. Various comments and views are reported, on how the nation should react with the latest political developments.
Of the many remarks and statements reported, they came to one conclusion that the people are talking about ‘the transition of power’ or ‘the change of leadership’. These two phrases seems to be repeatedly appearing in the newspapers, either in term of speech from the country leaders, or uttered by the public.
In my observation, the issue is also discussed in the restaurants, coffee houses, mamak stalls and warongs, or even during seminars, meetings or gatherings attended by myself. It seems that people from all spectre of life, are eagerly discussing on the future leadership of the country. The topic of ‘transition of power’ or ‘changing the leadership’ surely will be the hottest topic not to be missed.
However, according to my quick survey on the phrases, both of them are not actually representing the same meaning or idea. ‘Transition of power’ is not actually the same as ‘changing the leadership’. The political leaders have to be extra careful when they mention the terms, so that they really mean what they are talking. If not, the people will be carried away in the state of confusion by the terms and phrases.
If we look at the word ‘transition’, it is meant by ‘the act of passing from one state or place to the next’ or ‘a change from one place or state or subject to another’. It can also be understood as ‘an event that results in a transformation’.
Therefore, the political realm likes to use the phrase ‘transition of power’ to describe a transformation from one political state, to another. For example, the situation in Iraq after the falls of Saddam Hussein has brought the transition of power, from a dictatorial state, to the people’s power. It is in fact a strong phrase that normally describes a major change or event that results in a transformation.
Therefore, when the politicians are talking about ‘transition of power’ in the ruling parties, what actually their intention? Are they suggesting some major transformation in the status quo, to bring about transformation in the country, in order to reverse the effects of the general election? Then, to achieve this, we really need a brave and drastic process of transition of power. Or are they merely want a ‘change in leadership’ of the country?
Now, if we look at the word ‘change’, the meaning is ‘to make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one’s or its former characteristics or essence’. Thus, the phrase ‘change the leadership’ denotes that we are looking for something different in the leadership, without losing the essence or characteristics of the previous leadership. In other words, we are not looking for total transition of power, but just a change in certain aspects, to bring about a difference that is usually pleasant, for example ‘to change for a clean clothes’. In politics, if we are talking about leadership change, than it is an effort to rejuvenate the leadership, by bringing about new ideas and characters, without sacrificing the essence.
Having read the points above, now let us ponder deeply, ‘what actually the country need at this testing moment?’ Are we really going for the transition of power, or actually we only need a change in leadership? The politicians should be more mindful in their words, since the two phrases bring different interpretations altogether.