Letter to Editor
Editor’s note: Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s op-ed is in response to Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid’s earlier letter to editor that appeared on FMT on March 19 titled “Democracy, not divine will should decide leadership terms”.
I RESPECT your views, YB Syerleena, but I must humbly disagree. You argue that democracy—not divine will—should dictate leadership terms, as if democracy is some flawless mechanism immune to manipulation, corruption, and self-serving interests. If only the world were that simple.
You claim that limiting leadership terms ensures good governance. Yet history tells us otherwise. The United States, the self-proclaimed champion of democracy, strictly limits its presidents to two terms.
Did that prevent them from waging endless wars, toppling governments, and leaving nations in ruin? Bush had eight years to devastate Iraq, Obama had eight years to turn Libya and Syria into bloodbaths, and Biden continues the tradition with unwavering enthusiasm. Clearly, the length of service has nothing to do with the quality of leadership.
The real issue, YB Syerleena, is not how long a leader stays, but how they lead. A corrupt leader can destroy a nation in a single term, while a just leader, grounded in faith and moral integrity, can serve for decades and still act in the people’s best interests.
Leadership should be measured by principles, not an arbitrary time limit imposed in the name of democracy.
That is why our president, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, speaks of leadership guided by divine will. Not because he rejects democracy, but because democracy alone is not enough.
Without a higher moral compass, democracy is merely a numbers game, where power belongs not to the people, but to those who control the narrative—media tycoons, corporate elites, and political financiers.
And let’s be honest, it doesn’t take eight years to know that a leader is unfit for office. Two years is more than enough to see a prime minister break his promises, betray the very principles he once preached, and prove himself unworthy of the position he holds.
This is not about whether PAS, as a party, agrees or disagrees with the proposal. The bigger issue is whether such a change will truly create a healthier political climate in Malaysia.
If not, it is nothing more than a cosmetic enhancement to democracy—an illusion of reform that lacks real impact on the rakyat. PAS will not allow itself to be dragged into any agenda that merely serves to beautify the government’s image without bringing meaningful change to the nation.
So, with all due respect, YB Syerleena, limiting leadership terms is no guarantee of good governance. The true test of leadership is not its duration, but its righteousness. And no ballot box alone can determine that. – March 20, 2025
Ahmad Fadhli Shaari is the Pasir Mas MP and the PAS information chief.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Reuters/Scanpix
