The Leader-Manager: A More Practical Leadership Model - STARBIZ Today

 The Leader-Manager: A More Practical Leadership Model

Dear Captains of Industry and Public Institutions,

Leadership has become one of the most romanticized concepts in modern organizations. Conferences, books, consultants, social media, and corporate seminars often portray leaders as charismatic visionaries who inspire crowds, speak powerfully, and transform organizations through force of personality and influence.

Meanwhile, management is often treated as something less glamorous. It is described as administrative, procedural, operational, or even bureaucratic. In many discussions, management is subtly positioned as secondary to leadership.

This divide is neither practical nor productive on the ground.

In reality, organizations do not succeed through leadership alone. Neither do they succeed through management alone. They succeed because people are able to combine leadership and management effectively. Perhaps it is time we rethink organizational leadership through a more practical mental model: The Leader-Manager.

At the practitioner level, leaders and managers do not have the luxury of endlessly debating whether leadership and management are different. Organizations are not built through definitions. Organizations are built through execution, alignment, coordination, accountability, trust, and results.

Unlike a bookish approach, leadership and management are not merely overlapping concepts. In real organizational life, they are inseparable.

The moment we artificially separate them, both become weaker.

Leadership without management risks becoming disconnected from execution and results. Management without leadership risks becoming mechanical and devoid of meaning. A leader who cannot manage will struggle to execute, while a manager who cannot lead will struggle to move people.

Leadership without management becomes aspiration without execution. Management without leadership becomes control without direction.

They are not competing ideas. They are two sides of the same organizational coin.

The reality is that most organizational roles require both simultaneously. A head of department, managing director, district officer, plant manager, hospital director, dean, or CEO constantly moves between leadership and management responsibilities throughout the day. One moment they are setting direction, reducing uncertainty, and building confidence. The next moment they are reviewing budgets, solving operational problems, managing tensions, monitoring performance, and coordinating teams.

In practice, separating leadership from management is almost impossible.

Unfortunately, modern leadership culture sometimes creates another unintended problem. It unconsciously promotes one narrow image of what a “leader” should look like. Leadership is frequently associated with charisma, extroversion, stage presence, and highly expressive communication.

This unintentionally discourages many capable people from stepping into management and leadership roles.

Engineers, analysts, finance professionals, operational specialists, technical experts, and highly competent individual contributors may wrongly conclude that they are “not leadership material” simply because they do not fit a romanticized stereotype of leadership.

More concerning, their superiors and organizations may come to the same conclusion. Because many organizations unconsciously associate leadership with highly visible and expressive personalities, quieter but highly capable individuals may be overlooked for leadership and management development opportunities.

As a result, organizations may unintentionally lose future leader-managers who possess strong discipline, operational credibility, analytical thinking, consistency, accountability, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to move teams steadily toward results.

The issue is not a lack of leadership potential. The issue may be that the mental model used to identify leadership potential was flawed from the beginning.

Yet if we study CEOs and managing directors carefully across industries and countries, we quickly realize they do not fit one mould. Some are extroverted while others are introverted. Some are visionary while others are operationally driven. Some are highly relational while others are disciplined and task-focused.

Despite these differences, many succeed because effective organizational leadership is less about personality style and more about integrating leadership and management into daily practice.

Most successful organizational leaders are able to create clarity, reduce uncertainty, align teams, make decisions, manage tensions, allocate resources, build trust, ensure accountability, and move the organization toward results. In reality, they function as leader-managers.

This reframing matters greatly when we think about developing future organizational leaders.

Instead of asking whether someone fits a certain image of leadership, perhaps organizations should ask a more practical question:

Can this person effectively move people, systems, and outcomes forward together?

Consider a marketing organization. A marketing director must inspire creativity, encourage innovation, read market trends, and energize teams around campaigns and branding ideas. Yet at the same time, the person must manage budgets, timelines, coordination, client expectations, targets, and execution quality. Without management discipline, creativity eventually becomes chaos. Without leadership, marketing loses energy and direction.

Now consider a manufacturing or semiconductor environment. A plant manager or operations head must ensure precision, quality, timelines, safety, process discipline, and operational consistency. However, technical systems alone are insufficient. The person must also reduce uncertainty, handle tensions, motivate teams, align departments, manage morale, and sustain trust under pressure. In manufacturing, leadership and management cannot be separated because execution determines survival.

The same applies in government institutions. A district officer does not merely administer procedures. The role requires balancing public expectations, coordinating agencies, managing crises, executing policies, handling political sensitivities, and building cooperation among stakeholders during uncertain situations. Administrative discipline and human leadership happen simultaneously.

Dear Captains,

Perhaps the time has come for organizations to seriously rethink the mental models we use to define leadership and management.

If leadership and management are truly inseparable in organizational life, then this reframing has major implications far beyond terminology.

It affects how we identify talent. It affects how we evaluate future leaders. It affects how we build succession pipelines. It affects how we mentor, coach, and develop people. It affects how we prepare future organizational leaders.

Without this reframing, organizations may continue overlooking highly capable individuals simply because they do not fit a romanticized image of leadership. Worse still, we may begin judging leadership potential using the wrong indicators, mistaking visibility for capability, charisma for competence, style for substance, and presentation for the actual ability to move people, systems, and outcomes forward.

As a result, organizations may unintentionally elevate individuals who appear impressive while overlooking those who consistently create clarity, solve problems, build trust, align teams, manage tensions, and deliver results.

More importantly, we may continue weakening organizations by artificially separating leadership from management when, in reality, both were never meant to function apart.

This reframing should encourage organizations to rethink talent management, succession planning, leadership development, mentoring systems, and even the beliefs we instill in young managers moving into positions of responsibility.

Perhaps the future challenge is not producing more leaders or more managers.

Perhaps the real challenge is developing people who can integrate direction, execution, systems, trust, accountability, people, and outcomes together.

Because in real organizational life, leadership and management were never meant to be separated in the first place.

 

MELANGKAUI TVET: MENGAPA MALAYSIA MEMERLUKAN LALUAN JUALAN DAN PERKHIDMATAN NASIONAL - Sinar Harian Hari Ini

MELANGKAUI TVET: MENGAPA MALAYSIA MEMERLUKAN LALUAN JUALAN DAN PERKHIDMATAN NASIONAL

Berdasarkan laporan Perangkaan Tenaga Buruh terbaharu Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM), lebih setengah juta rakyat Malaysia masih menganggur, dengan golongan muda berusia bawah 30 tahun merangkumi lebih tiga perempat daripada jumlah tersebut.

Walaupun kadar pengangguran negara masih terkawal, pengangguran belia kekal sebagai cabaran serius. Persoalannya, adakah kita benar-benar mempersiapkan generasi muda Malaysia untuk peluang pekerjaan hari ini dan masa hadapan?

Kerajaan wajar dipuji atas penekanan yang diberikan kepada Pendidikan dan Latihan Teknikal dan Vokasional (TVET). Fokus ini amat diperlukan ketika Malaysia memperkukuh sektor semikonduktor, pembuatan lanjutan, mesin dan peralatan serta teknologi digital. TVET merupakan tunjang penting strategi tenaga kerja negara dan wajar terus diperkasakan.

Namun, di sebalik kepentingan TVET, timbul satu persoalan lain. Apakah laluan yang tersedia untuk anak muda yang tidak mempunyai kecenderungan utama dalam bidang teknikal? Bukan semua belia mahu atau mampu menjadi jurutera, pengatur cara, pakar automasi atau teknisyen. Ramai yang lebih menyerlah dalam komunikasi, hubungan pelanggan, penyelarasan projek, perundingan, perkhidmatan dan pembangunan perniagaan.

Atas sebab itu, Malaysia perlu mempertimbangkan sama ada strategi pembangunan tenaga kerja negara memerlukan satu lagi tunjang yang melengkapi TVET - iaitu laluan yang memberi tumpuan kepada kerjaya berorientasikan pelanggan, perniagaan dan penjanaan pendapatan.

Industri TVET Juga Memerlukan Bakat Komersial

Terdapat persepsi bahawa sektor pertumbuhan tinggi seperti semikonduktor, mesin dan peralatan serta teknologi digital hanya memerlukan jurutera dan pakar teknikal. Hakikatnya, industri-industri ini turut bergantung kepada profesional yang mengurus pelanggan, projek, perkhidmatan dan pembangunan perniagaan.

Ekosistem teknologi Malaysia merangkumi syarikat multinasional, pengilang, vendor teknologi dan pelbagai penyedia perkhidmatan. Pertumbuhan sektor ini bergantung kepada individu yang mampu mengurus hubungan pelanggan, menyelaras projek, menyelia penyampaian perkhidmatan, menjaga akaun utama serta menterjemahkan keupayaan teknikal kepada hasil komersial.

Pada bila-bila masa, beribu-ribu projek kejuruteraan dan teknologi sedang dilaksanakan di seluruh negara. Selain tugas teknikal, ramai pengurus projek dan pakar teknikal turut perlu mengurus jangkaan pelanggan, pemegang taruh, garis masa dan perbincangan komersial. Tanpa profesional yang mampu merapatkan jurang antara kepakaran teknikal dan peluang pasaran, organisasi sering menghadapi kesukaran untuk berkembang.

Permintaan terhadap bakat ini bukan sekadar teori. Dalam satu sesi libat urus bersama majikan yang dijalankan selama empat hari, sebanyak 22 daripada 23 syarikat dalam sektor semikonduktor, mesin dan peralatan serta teknologi digital mengenal pasti 248 kekosongan jawatan segera dalam peranan berorientasikan pelanggan dan komersial.

Ini bukan peluang masa depan. Ia adalah kekosongan yang wujud hari ini. Jika permintaan sebegini dapat dikesan daripada sampel syarikat yang kecil dalam tempoh singkat, besar kemungkinan keperluan sebenar di seluruh ekonomi negara jauh lebih besar.

Persediaan Kalis Masa Depan Mendepani Automasi

Perancangan tenaga kerja negara juga perlu mengambil kira kesan automasi, kecerdasan buatan (AI), robotik dan Industri 4.0.

Merentasi pelbagai industri, tugas rutin semakin diambil alih oleh teknologi. Pengilang melabur dalam automasi lanjutan dan sebahagiannya mula meneroka konsep kilang "lights-out" yang beroperasi dengan campur tangan manusia yang minimum. Trend yang sama turut berlaku dalam logistik, pentadbiran dan fungsi operasi lain.

Ini tidak mengurangkan kepentingan bakat teknikal. Jurutera, teknisyen dan pakar berkemahiran tinggi akan terus diperlukan. Namun, permintaan dijangka beralih daripada tugas teknikal rutin kepada peranan yang memerlukan kemahiran teknikal tahap tinggi.

Pada masa yang sama, permintaan terhadap profesional yang mampu membina kepercayaan, memahami pelanggan, mengurus hubungan strategik, berunding dan mencipta nilai komersial akan meningkat. Kemahiran seperti komunikasi, empati, pertimbangan, kebolehsuaian dan pembinaan hubungan merupakan kelebihan manusia yang sukar diautomasi.

Apabila teknologi menjadi semakin canggih, kemahiran insaniah ini menjadi semakin bernilai. Oleh itu, persediaan tenaga kerja masa hadapan perlu memberi tumpuan kepada kedua-dua aspek - keupayaan bekerja dengan teknologi dan keupayaan yang tidak boleh digantikan oleh teknologi.

Ribuan Peluang Kerjaya Jualan Yang Tersembunyi

Penemuan di atas hanya mencerminkan sebahagian kecil ekonomi Malaysia.

Di luar sektor teknologi, majikan dalam industri pembuatan, penjagaan kesihatan, perbankan, logistik, pelancongan, peruncitan dan perkhidmatan profesional terus menghadapi kesukaran mendapatkan bakat bagi peranan jualan, khidmat pelanggan, pengurusan akaun, penyelarasan projek dan pembangunan perniagaan.

Kekosongan ini wujud dalam jumlah yang besar serta menawarkan prospek kerjaya dan pendapatan yang menarik, termasuk melalui komisen dan insentif berasaskan prestasi. Namun, bidang ini masih belum mempunyai laluan pembangunan nasional yang tersusun.

Pada masa yang sama, universiti dan kolej tempatan menghasilkan ribuan graduan dalam bidang perniagaan, pemasaran, komunikasi, hospitaliti, kemanusiaan dan sains sosial setiap tahun. Ramai mempunyai potensi yang sesuai untuk kerjaya berorientasikan pelanggan, tetapi sering kekurangan latihan, pendedahan industri dan keyakinan untuk berjaya dalam bidang tersebut.

Daripada melihat mereka sebagai sebahagian daripada masalah pengangguran, Malaysia sepatutnya melihat mereka sebagai sebahagian daripada penyelesaian.

Laluan Nasional Yang Saling Melengkapi

Cadangan ini bukan bertujuan menggantikan TVET. Sebaliknya, ia melengkapkan TVET.

Ekonomi moden memerlukan kedua-dua keupayaan teknikal dan komersial. Kita memerlukan individu yang mampu membina produk, dan pada masa yang sama individu yang mampu membina pelanggan, menjana pendapatan dan mengekalkan pertumbuhan.

Malaysia telah melabur besar dalam pembangunan bakat teknikal. Sudah tiba masanya kita mempertimbangkan satu Laluan Nasional Jualan dan Perkhidmatan yang tersusun bagi membantu lepasan sekolah, graduan, belia menganggur dan profesional yang berminat membina kerjaya dalam bidang berorientasikan pelanggan.

Laluan ini boleh memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan kompetensi seperti komunikasi, pengurusan pelanggan, ketajaman komersial, kecerdasan emosi, perundingan, pengurusan akaun dan penyelarasan projek.

Jika lebih tiga perempat daripada penganggur negara terdiri daripada golongan belia, maka setiap laluan yang mampu meningkatkan kebolehpasaran mereka wajar diberikan pertimbangan yang serius. TVET telah membantu memenuhi satu keperluan penting ekonomi negara. Kini, sudah tiba masanya kita membina satu lagi laluan yang dapat melengkapkan usaha tersebut.

Bagi ratusan ribu anak muda Malaysia yang masih mencari pekerjaan, arah tuju dan peluang untuk membina masa depan yang lebih baik, Laluan Nasional Jualan dan Perkhidmatan mungkin mampu membuka pintu yang selama ini belum diberikan perhatian yang sewajarnya.

 

WAWASAN 2057 - Sinar Harian (14 July 2026)

WAWASAN 2057

Pada 31 Ogos 2057, Malaysia bakal menyambut ulang tahun kemerdekaannya yang ke-100. Ditinjau dari landskap masa kini, detik bersejarah itu berbaki kira-kira 30 tahun sahaja lagi.

Tanpa mengira dinamika politik tanah air - sama ada Kerajaan Perpaduan hari ini kekal atau pentadbiran baharu yang mengambil alih tampuk kepemimpinan pada masa hadapan - kita sebagai sebuah negara wajib bersatu padu dan memikirkan masa hadapan 2057 secara serius. Sudah tiba masanya kita mengutarakan satu persoalan mudah tetapi amat mustahak: Di manakah kedudukan yang kita impikan untuk Malaysia menjelang usia seabadnya?

Untuk menjawab persoalan ini, kita perlu mempunyai keberanian untuk membuat penilaian yang jujur tentang kedudukan kita pada hari ini. Kita mesti mengiktiraf kekuatan dan kelemahan diri dengan jelas; meraikan kejayaan yang telah dicapai di samping berani berdepan dengan kekurangan diri.

Lebih penting lagi, kita harus mengenal pasti tabiat, sikap, dan tingkah laku yang terus mengekang kemajuan kita. Apakah tindakan berulang yang menghalang kita daripada mencapai potensi sepenuhnya? Kita wajib menentukan minda manakah yang perlu dipertahankan kerana sumbangan yang baik telah diberikan, dan minda manakah yang perlu ditinggalkan kerana tidak lagi relevan. Kita harus mempersoalkan apa yang patut diteruskan, dan apa yang mesti dihentikan serta-merta.

Hanya dengan kejelasan inilah kita boleh mula mencorakkan masa hadapan Malaysia menjelang 2057. Kita perlu bertanya:

• Bagaimanakah rupa sebuah negara yang cemerlang dan hebat?
• Apakah bentuk masyarakat yang ingin kita bina, acuan ekonomi yang mahu dicipta, dan ciri-ciri warganegara yang diharap dapat dipupuk?
• Paling utama, apakah sasaran konkrit yang perlu kita tetapkan untuk diri kita bagi tempoh 30 tahun akan datang?

Melangkaui Sempadan Politik Kepartian

Wacana penting ini tidak boleh diserahkan bulat-bulat kepada ahli politik, parti politik, atau kerajaan yang memerintah semata-mata. Demi mengangkat dialog ini melangkaui politik kepartian, sudah tiba masanya sebuah majlis nasional bukan partisan ditubuhkan di bawah naungan Diraja.

Majlis ini mesti menggabungkan rakyat Malaysia daripada segenap lapisan masyarakat: wakil kerajaan dan pembangkang, ahli akademik, tokoh perniagaan, golongan pekerja, belia, masyarakat sivil, pengamal profesional, serta pihak berkepentingan dari setiap negeri dan wilayah persekutuan.

Berdiri megah melangkaui kitaran pilihan raya, kesetiaan mutlak majlis ini bukan kepada mana-mana parti atau ideologi, sebaliknya demi Malaysia dan generasi masa hadapannya.

Tugas majlis ini adalah khusus dan mendalam: mengkaji sejarah asal usul Malaysia, memahami kedudukannya hari ini, menghayati semula semangat dan prinsip asas Perlembagaan Persekutuan, mengenal pasti cabaran serta peluang masa hadapan, dan mengusulkan visi bersama tentang apa yang dicita-citakan oleh Malaysia menjelang 2057.

Berani Bermimpi Besar

Sebaik sahaja hala tuju destinasi itu jelas, kita boleh mula bekerja keras untuk mencapainya. Tempoh 30 tahun adalah satu jangka masa yang panjang dan cukup untuk mentransformasikan sesebuah negara, membetulkan kesilapan lalu, membina kekuatan baharu, mengasah bakat, dan memperkukuh institusi kita. Namun, kita tidak boleh berlayar tanpa arah tuju, dan kita tidak sepatutnya takut untuk bermimpi besar. Mimpi yang sangat besar.

Sebuah negara hanya menyambut ulang tahun ke-100 sekali sahaja. Sasaran yang kita tetapkan untuk Wawasan 2057 mestilah cukup bercita-citanya untuk menyuntik inspirasi agar kita mampu bangkit melangkaui pertikaian politik harian, kepentingan mana-mana kaum secara sempit, dan pemikiran jangka pendek.

Visi ini sepatutnya mendorong kita untuk berfikir bukan sebagai ahli parti politik, kumpulan etnik, komuniti agama, profesion, atau wilayah, tetapi pertamanya dan selamanya sebagai seorang rakyat Malaysia.

Negara yang hebat dibina apabila rakyatnya sanggup melihat melampaui kepentingan peribadi, kaum, dan parti, lalu mempersoalkan apa yang terbaik untuk negara.

Wawasan 2057 mesti mencabar kita untuk berfikir dalam acuan sedemikian:

• Apakah bentuk Malaysia yang ingin kita wariskan kepada generasi akan datang?
• Apakah pengorbanan yang sanggup kita lakukan hari ini agar anak cucu kita dapat mewarisi sebuah negara yang lebih baik esok?

Jika kita mahu melakar pelan tindakan bagi tempoh 30 tahun akan datang, janganlah kita berfikiran kecil. Ayuh kita tetapkan sasaran yang setaraf dengan maruah sebuah negara yang bakal menghampiri usia satu abad.

Masa untuk bermula adalah sekarang.

Salam.

Anas Zubedy

 

 

WAWASAN 2057: Beginning the Journey

 

WAWASAN 2057: Beginning the Journey

A Constitutional and Rukun Negara Framework for Malaysia's Next 30 Years

1. Executive Summary

On 31 August 2057, Malaysia will celebrate 100 years of independence. Preparing for this milestone must begin today.

This paper is not Wawasan 2057 itself. Rather, it proposes a disciplined, non-partisan process for developing a shared national vision. Before deciding where we want to be, we must agree on the framework that will guide the national conversation.

We propose anchoring this journey on two enduring pillars of our nation:

• The Federal Constitution: Providing our constitutional framework.
• The Rukun Negara: Providing our shared national philosophy.

Additionally, this paper proposes expanding our national philosophy by introducing a Sixth National Aspiration: To nurture a national character distinguished by integrity in thought, word, and deed.

The immediate task ahead is not to produce another rigid national blueprint, but to undertake a comprehensive, honest situational analysis of Malaysia at seventy years of independence. Only by fully understanding our present can we responsibly define our future.

2. The Imperative: Why We Need Wawasan 2057 Now

Every generation inherits a nation and bears the responsibility to improve it before passing it on. Meaningful national transformation requires decades, not years. The choices we make today in education, governance, economic development, institutional reform, science, technology, and national unity will directly shape the Malaysia of 2057.

To succeed, Wawasan 2057 must:

• Rise above election cycles and changing governments.
• Belong to every Malaysian, providing long-term direction regardless of political shifts.
• Ensure the nation reaches its centenary stronger, wiser, more united, and more competitive than ever before.

3. The Framework: The Constitution and Rukun Negara

Every Malaysian—whether in politics, business, education, civil society, or as an ordinary citizen—brings a different perspective to the future. Without a common framework, discussions become fragmented, and defining collective success becomes impossible.

Malaysia requires a framework that is above partisan politics, uniquely Malaysian, broadly accepted, cross-generational, and capable of guiding long-term thinking.

We look to our twin foundations to answer two fundamental questions:

1. How is Malaysia governed? — Provided by the Federal Constitution, our supreme law establishing our constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, federal system, institutions, civic rights, and the rule of law.
2. What kind of nation do we aspire to become? — Provided by the Rukun Negara, our shared national philosophy.

While the Constitution provides the legal bedrock, this paper proposes that the Rukun Negara serve as the principal framework through which Malaysia assesses itself and builds Wawasan 2057.

4. Expanding the Rukun Negara: The Case for Integrity

The Rukun Negara traditionally consists of two complementary parts: the five National Aspirations and the five Core Principles.

The Five Original National Aspirations (Cita-cita Rukun Negara)

• To achieve a greater unity among all members of society.
• To preserve a democratic way of life.
• To create a just society in which the prosperity of the nation can be enjoyed fairly and equitably by all.
• To ensure a liberal approach towards its rich and diverse cultural traditions.
• To build a progressive society that will make use of modern science and technology.
• (Refer below for an added suggestion to the 6^th Cita-Cita)

The Five Core Principles

• Belief in God
• Loyalty to King and Country
• Supremacy of the Constitution
• Rule of Law
• Courtesy and Morality

Proposing the Sixth National Aspiration

While the original five aspirations remain entirely relevant, decades of national experience highlight a recurring challenge: many of our shortcomings stem not from inadequate policies or weak institutions, but from deficits in integrity—in leadership, governance, business, and individual conduct.

While integrity is inherent in the spirit of our founding documents, its critical importance today justifies making it explicit. We propose adding a Sixth National Aspiration:

"To nurture a national character distinguished by integrity in thought, word, and deed."

This proposal is designed to strengthen and reinforce, not replace, the original framework.

5. The Roadmap: A Three-Step Methodology

To build Wawasan 2057 methodically, we propose a simple, three-step progression:

• Step 1: Where are we today? Conduct an honest, evidence-based situational analysis. (The sole focus of this current paper)
• Step 2: Where do we want to be by 2057? Define what a great Malaysia should look like at 100 years of independence.
• Step 3: What must we do? Develop practical strategies, reforms, and partnerships to achieve those aspirations.

6. The National Assessment Framework

The foundational step—the situational analysis—must use the Five Principles and the expanded Six National Aspirations as its diagnostic lens, referencing the relevant provisions of the Federal Constitution throughout.

This comprehensive national diagnosis will evaluate the following key areas, divided by sector:

Governance and Institutions

• Constitutional Monarchy and the Conference of Rulers
• Parliament
• Executive and Public Service
• Judiciary and Rule of Law
• Federal-State Relations

Society and Culture

• National Unity
• Democracy
• Social Justice
• Culture and National Identity
• Religion and Interfaith Harmony
• Civil Society
• Families and Communities
• National Character and Integrity

Development and the Future

• Education
• Science, Technology and Innovation
• Economy and Productivity
• Environment
• Healthcare
• Youth Development
• Media and Digital Society
• Business and Industry

For each of these specific areas listed above, the assessment must answer three essential questions:

1. Where are we today?
2. What does excellence look like by 2057?
3. What must eventually be done?

7. Conclusion

Malaysia’s centenary must be more than a symbolic celebration; it is a historic opportunity to renew our national purpose and prepare confidently for our second century.

The journey begins not by debating immediate policy disputes or political differences, but by agreeing on a shared framework for deep reflection. Anchored by the Federal Constitution and guided by the Rukun Negara, Malaysia can undertake an honest assessment of its present before defining its tomorrow.

Wawasan 2057 is about beginning a disciplined national conversation today so that future generations inherit a nation that is stronger, more united, more just, more progressive, and anchored firmly in integrity.

Every meaningful journey begins with understanding where we stand. The journey towards Wawasan 2057 begins now.

Peace.

Anas Zubedy

 

JOHOR ELECTION: A GLIMPSE OF MALAYSIA'S NATIONAL MOOD?

 

JOHOR ELECTION: A GLIMPSE OF MALAYSIA'S NATIONAL MOOD?

The Johor election is not a national verdict, but it may well offer us a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Let me explain.

Malaysia's political landscape is far too diverse for any single state to represent the entire nation. Johor has always had its own political dynamics, just as the Malay heartland states of Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu have theirs. Sabah and Sarawak, too, operate within their own distinct political realities.

To conclude that Johor reflects the mood of the whole country would therefore be premature.

At the same time, it would be equally unwise to dismiss the possibility that something is beginning to shift. While Johor does not represent a national consensus, it may offer an early glimpse into how some Malaysians are beginning to think.

One result stands out starkly.

Barisan Nasional’s strong performance raises an important question. Are we beginning to see the return of voters who had previously abandoned Barisan Nasional - particularly traditional BN supporters who cast protest votes in recent general elections?

It is widely believed that during GE15, many traditional UMNO and Barisan Nasional supporters voted against their own coalition. They were frustrated by corruption, political instability, and the hope that a new government would bring meaningful reforms.

As I have argued before, the dominant issues in GE15 were not race or religion, but corruption, governance, and the economy.

If that reading was correct then, another question naturally follows:

Could some of those same voters now be returning?

Not necessarily because Barisan Nasional has transformed itself overnight, but because they feel the alternative has not delivered what was promised.

Political reforms have been slower than many expected, and concerns over the economy and the rising cost of living remain deeply entrenched. For some voters, disappointment may now be replacing hope. Many may even feel they were sold promises that were never fully delivered - a classic cakap tak serupa bikin moment.

There is another possibility worth considering. Are Malaysians becoming weary of the political instability that has continued even under what is called the Unity Government? The Johor election presents a fascinating paradox: two partners at the federal level went head-to-head at the state level, and the ground shifted decisively.

If stability has once again become a priority, that could alter the internal power balance between UMNO and its federal partners nationally.

The attraction of Barisan Nasional may not simply be about nostalgia. It may be about a desire for predictable governance. After years of changing governments, shifting coalitions, and political uncertainty, some Malaysians may be asking whether the predictability associated with Barisan Nasional's decades in government is something they value more today than they did a few years ago.

The resurgence of MCA also deserves close attention.

Not long ago, few would have imagined the party making such definitive gains, but the outcome in several key mixed and urban seats suggests a real undercurrent. While Johor alone cannot explain this development entirely, it indicates that some voters who previously supported DAP or PKR are actively reassessing their choices.

As polling district analyses become fully available, we will be able to compare voting patterns across predominantly Malay, Chinese, Indian, and mixed areas. However, the early signs suggest that support among non-Malay voters is becoming more discerning rather than automatic.

PH is no longer being given a blank check.

Voters seem increasingly willing to use their ballots pragmatically to signal their frustration or demand stability. Whether this represents a temporary protest or the beginning of a longer-term political realignment remains to be seen.

Of course, one election does not establish a national trend. The next crucial test is immediately upon us with the Negeri Sembilan state election on August 1st.

Unlike Johor, Negeri Sembilan will provide a clearer, more immediate indication of whether this shift in voter sentiment is traveling north and expanding beyond Barisan Nasional's traditional strongholds. Melaka will eventually offer another useful data point, although it too has historically been favorable territory for Barisan Nasional.

We should also not forget the lessons from Sabah's recent state election. Ultimately, any assessment of Malaysia's political direction must include Sabah and Sarawak, whose political dynamics remain entirely distinct from those in Peninsular Malaysia.

For now, the Johor election provides us with many important questions.

Are we witnessing the first signs of traditional Barisan Nasional supporters returning home after concluding that the alternative has not met their expectations?

Or is Johor simply behaving as Johor has always behaved?

Peace.

Anas Zubedy

 

JOHOR'S KELUARGA 69 ELECTION

 

JOHOR'S KELUARGA 69 ELECTION

If you are feeling thoroughly confused about the Johor state election, don’t worry - you are not alone. In fact, I suspect even the late, great P. Ramlee would be smiling if he were watching today’s political scene. He might even look at the screen, scratch his head, and say, "This looks familiar."

Perhaps the best way to understand the Johor election is not by reading another heavy political analysis, but by re-watching the classic comedy Keluarga 69. For those who remember the movie, it was hilarious because absolutely nobody seemed to know who was connected to whom. Relationships became increasingly complicated, and just when you thought you finally understood what was happening, another twist appeared. It was funny precisely because it was so confusing. Yet beneath all the comedy was a serious story about ordinary people trying to navigate a hopelessly tangled situation.

Welcome to the Johor state election.

At the federal level, some parties govern together as cozy partners. Yet in Johor, those exact same partners are actively asking voters to reject one another. Then there are parties that were once bitter rivals but now appear perfectly willing to cooperate whenever the mood strikes. Add Bersatu, PAS, MUDA, Bersama, a colorful array of independents, local personalities, and multi-cornered contests into the mix, and many voters are left asking the same question: "So... who is actually fighting whom?" If you can answer that confidently without drawing a complex flowchart, congratulations - you probably deserve an honorary degree in Malaysian politics.

It is enough to make many Malaysians wonder whether they accidentally bought a ticket to a Keluarga 69 screening instead of a polling station.

The funny part is that every politician can explain exactly why their specific political arrangement makes perfect sense. They will tell you: "It is different." "It is strategic." "It is only for this election." "It is for the greater good." By the time the explanations are over, ordinary Malaysians are usually even more confused than before.

Perhaps this is why humor is sometimes the best way to process politics. Like the movie, the Johor election is highly entertaining on the surface, but it carries serious questions underneath. How should voters make sense of shifting alliances? How much importance should be given to party logos? Should yesterday’s enemy automatically become today’s friend, or today’s friend remain tomorrow’s partner?

These are legitimate questions, yet they are also developments that ordinary voters have very little control over. Politicians will continue negotiating, coalitions will keep changing, new friendships will form, and old alliances will end. That is just politics.

But there is one thing that remains entirely within the control of Johor voters: choosing the best ADUN. For Johoreans, this election is not a comedy; it is a deep responsibility.

So perhaps the ultimate lesson from Keluarga 69 is this: when everything around you becomes topsy-turvy, don’t become topsy-turvy yourself. Stay calm. Look beyond the political musical chairs. Look beyond who is hugging whom today and criticizing them tomorrow. Instead, ask the questions that really matter: Who has integrity? Who is competent? Who truly understands the needs of the constituency? Who has actually served the people instead of merely serving the party? And who will have the courage to speak up for Johor, regardless of who eventually forms the government?

The reality is that political alliances can and do change. Today’s rivals may become tomorrow’s partners, and today’s partners may become tomorrow’s rivals. Coalitions are formed and dissolved, and new political realities emerge after almost every election. Because those developments are largely beyond our control, perhaps it is time we place less emphasis on party labels and more emphasis on the quality of the individual seeking our vote.

This is Johor’s opportunity to show the rest of Malaysia the way - not by proving which party is the strongest, but by proving that voters can be wiser than party politics. Let us reward integrity, competence, service, humility, and courage. If Johoreans choose their representatives based on character, capability, and commitment to the rakyat, they may well inspire the rest of the nation to do the same in the next General Election.

Johor can demonstrate that mature voters do not merely vote for parties; they vote for the best people. After all, political parties may reorganize themselves after polling day, but a good ADUN remains a good ADUN.

So, while the politicians continue acting in their own real-life version of Keluarga 69, let Johor voters write a different ending. One where the hero is not the political party, but the voter. And if Johor gets it right, perhaps the rest of Malaysia will follow. Now that would be an ending worthy of a P. Ramlee classic.

Peace,

Anas Zubedy

Kuala Lumpur

 

WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THIS PUBLIC SPACE IN BATU FERRINGHI?

 

WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THIS PUBLIC SPACE IN BATU FERRINGHI?

Some time ago, I wrote about a public space in Batu Ferringhi after it was suddenly closed off to the public. Following that appeal, the area was reopened. Today, on Sunday, July 5th, 2026, I returned.

Sadly, here we go again.

The parking area has once again been blocked, with no clear notice explaining why or what the long-term plans are. As the photographs show, visitors are now forced to park along a narrow access road, making it inconvenient and potentially unsafe - especially for families with young children. What saddens me even more is that this place, once full of life, is now largely empty – even on a Sunday.

Over the years, I have spent enough weekends here to appreciate what made this spot so special. This was never just an empty piece of land or a free parking lot; it was one of the few remaining places in Batu Ferringhi where ordinary Malaysians - especially families facing economic challenges - could enjoy a day by the sea without having to spend a small fortune.

These families do not come only from Batu Ferringhi or Penang. I have met people from Kedah and other neighbouring states who make the trip simply because it is affordable. Many times, I have seen small cars packed with parents, grandparents, and children. They bring their own mats, pack their own food or buy simple meals from nearby hawker stalls, let the children play, and spend precious time together.

Perhaps even more heartwarming is what this place represents. It is one of those rare spaces where Malays, Chinese, Indians, and others naturally come together. Nobody organises it. Nobody plans it. It simply happens. People from different backgrounds sit under the same trees, enjoy the same sea breeze, and share the same public space. This is grassroots nation-building at its best.

Please don't misunderstand me. I enjoy Batu Ferringhi's newer developments like Feringghi Bay. My family and I recently had dinner at Santai there  and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. But not every Malaysian family can afford RM40 or RM50 per person for a meal. Parking alone there could cost RM30 if you stay for a few hours! For many households, that amount is enough to feed the entire family.

A world-class tourist destination should not only cater to tourists and those who can afford premium dining. It should also make room for ordinary Malaysians.

When I asked people around the area why the place had been closed again, I received various answers. Some shared rumors that the land may eventually become another commercial or higher-end development, like Ferringhi Bay. I do not know whether that is true.

That is precisely why I respectfully appeal to the Chief Minister of Penang, the Member of Parliament, and the State Assemblyman responsible for this area. Please tell us: What is the plan for this site?

If redevelopment is planned, announce it openly. The people deserve to know. If nothing is happening in the immediate future, why not reopen the space for public use until work actually begins?

And if this land is eventually developed, another crucial question deserves an answer: Where is the equivalent space for ordinary Malaysians?

Where is the large, comfortable, clean, well-planned, Astaka-style food court with ample free or affordable parking, where families of modest means can enjoy Batu Ferringhi with dignity? Not a small corner. Not a temporary arrangement. Not an afterthought. We need a proper public space designed with the rakyat in mind.

Development is important. Investment is important. Tourism is important. But so is ensuring that Batu Ferringhi remains a place for all Malaysians, not only for those who can afford premium experiences.

The true measure of a developed society is not simply how many luxury projects it builds. It is whether it continues to make room for ordinary people.

I sincerely hope our leaders will clarify the future of this site - and, equally importantly, explain how the interests of B40 and middle-income Malaysian families will continue to be protected in Batu Ferringhi.

Peace.

Anas Zubedy

Penang