Politicians or Leaders be
I RECENTLY watched the movie about ‘Zhu Enlai’ on a China Southern flight and I cannot help but admire the film documenting his visit to Boyan county in Hebei province. The main takeaway of the movie is how to be politically beloved by people while putting your leadership skills in view of the people. The key attribute of him, or rather, a good politician, has to be ‘Be one with the people’.
At the same time, I did recall during the 2020 elections a senior USDP candidate (an ex-minister) walking around a ward in Nay Pyi Taw, with his entourage. His assistant was shadowing him with an umbrella. He waved to the villagers from afar, not talking, meeting or shaking hands with them. And we wondered why he lost!
Join the grassroots
Zhu Enlai reached the grassroots by touring the village himself and talking to varied demographics, from young to old. He went into their houses, their small barren kitchens, and ate together with them whatever little food they had. The whole village is at risk of starvation (the great leap backwards!). And help secure sweet potato seedlings to ensure they have enough food for the coming winter. Besides solving their immediate issue, he joined their hands in planting these sprouts in the rain.
Not joining the grassroots would not make you a good politician that people want to vote for. If you can prove that you can resolve whatever little issue they might have, you might have won their hearts too. Joining them in their struggles would have earned their respect and mind too. Most of the now-defunct NLD party candidates are very adept at showing this off.
Getting the truth out
One of the reasons for the USDP’s downfall in 2015 was attributed to the complacency of President Thein Sein due to his reliance on the information from USDP headquarters that the party would likely win 80 per cent of the votes. The information turned out to be inaccurate. USDP secured only half of that, failing to gain the majority in the Parliament.
Hence, there is a need to figure out the facts yourself. From the healthcare of the people to food and water sufficiency, to the needs of the children and the elders, Zhu figured these out himself. Later on, even Deng Xiaopeng said ‘We must seek the truth from facts’, in 1976. Just as in ancient times, if the King asked its councillors, if the country was doing well, who would be brave and/or stupid enough to say the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Hence it is the King’s duty to send out his trusted assistance to the countryside to get the facts. Sometimes, the King disguises himself as a commoner to figure the truth out for himself.
Even in present-day Myanmar, all its leaders and government ministers may not have all the hard truth presented to them. They would have electricity in their homes 24 by 7. How would they know the real power supply situation in Yangon! Most of their daily groceries would be supplied by the government or associates for free. How would they know how much grocery prices have gone up? Their cars are filled up by staff and the government budget. How would they know how long the people have to queue up for fuel or how expensive the fuel has become?
Ministers/Directors/managers will always cover up some or all of the bad news, sometimes not to look bad and perhaps not to give problems for leadership. Those directors and advisors surrounding the leaders may not have the gut or love for the country to present them with facts. Hence, it becomes even more important to get the truth from facts, no matter what.
Empathy and sympathy
People whom you want to represent would be worse off than yourself in various life attributes. Showing empathy and sympathy towards them would carry you far in your campaign to get votes. Zhu noticed villagers having to carry water by cart from 10 miles away. He took immediate action to address that. He blamed himself for not being able to provide the necessities and apologized to the people. He addressed people by their names and sincerely listened to their concerns. Eating bad food together with them showed them that their suffering is his suffering
A would-be politician must express empathy and sympathy towards his constituents. Ignore this at your own risk.
Relating to the people
The book on ‘Influence’ said relating to the people can be a way of gaining influence over them. Zhu related to the villagers who were born in the same year of the Ox, as him.
Forms of relations we can use include the birthplace, the schools that we used to study, the workplaces, the language, race, jobs, etc. You relate to them and you are one of them.
Integrity
In the movie, Zhu is shown refusing a gift of an ancient postage stamp from a girl, whose father has collected from the Qing dynasty. The virtue of integrity would travel far in the hearts and minds of the people.
Wife effect
Having a complementary spouse also helps. Mdm Deng Yeng Chow contributed to the aura of Zhu as a people person by showing care for the people and contributing to his works. She dressed as a commoner and did not carry any expensive handbags!
Inspire people to solve their problems
Inspire people through the need to raise standards, compete internationally and highlight the story of Myanmar’s glorious past. Get them to sort out local issues among themselves. Everyone will have a chance to correct his mistakes, but you cannot make mistakes again and again.
At the end of the day, Myanmar is an agricultural country, its prosperity depends not only on the farmers but also on the leaders! Agricultural and livestock experts for training and year-round water supply must be provided for the farmers and you as a leader, have to make this happen.
By U AC
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar