Of Christmas Cards Politicians And Ego


 



As a Christian, I normally receive more Christmas greetings from friends and associates than on any other festive occasion during the year, including Chinese New Year.
Gone are the days of the physical Christmas card but whether it’s the virtual or e-card, the message of hope, peace and joy of Yuletide is there. To me, that is still a Christmas card, honouring the traditions of the occasion that mark an important part in the lives of Christians.
I’m particularly delighted to receive Christmas greetings from non-Christian friends. It warms the heart to know that those of other faiths remember you during Christmas and that they also share the joys of the miraculous birth of the Saviour with all Christians. This is the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.
This is not to dampen the Christmas mood but I am compelled to mention this. 
To controversial preachers like Zakir Naik who had proclaimed aloud in recent years that Muslims are not permitted to wish Christians “Merry Christmas”, please know that even your fellow Muslims in Malaysia pay no attention to your hate preaching. 
This includes the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who has never failed to send his Christmas greetings to Malaysian Christians.
As in previous years, the majority of Christmas greetings this time around also came from politician friends. Aha, most are personal friends but they are politicians, so here’s a little thought which I would like to share with them and with all politicians who bother to read this.
On Christmas Day, a friend posted on Facebook the 2016 Christmas message of the late Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem. Accompanying the message was a photo of Adenan and his wife, Jamilah Anu, standing in front of a gigantic brightly lit Christmas tree.
I have this peculiar habit of paying attention to the way politicians sign off their greetings. To me, it says a lot about their state of mind and, more glaringly, about the attention they pay to position and status.
Everyone has an ego but when politicians display it, it somehow reflects badly on them. Boosting one's sense of self-esteem or self-importance is not a particularly favourable trait of a politician, in my book at least.
So how did Adenan sign off in his 2016 Christmas message? A very simple and humble “Adenan, Jamilah & family”. There was no “YAB Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi..., Chief Minister, Sarawak”.


Adenan had the personal touch which is sadly left wanting in many politicians today. He did not bother with his many honorifics or his position behind his name. A leader who does not lack self-esteem is never bothered about self-importance.
This was Adenan and this is why he is still very much revered and loved by Sarawakians. Christmas 2016 was also his final Christmas message. Adenan passed on 17 days later on Jan 11, 2017.
As examples, let me mention two Christmas cards I received from politician friends which I would describe as humbling, personal, favourable and fitting to the occasion.
One came from Tourism Minister Nancy Shukri and the other from Sarawak Assistant Tourism Minister Sebastian Ting.
The federal minister signed off as just “Nancy Shukri” with no “YB Datuk Seri”. Why, everyone knows she has a datukship but who cares how many titles you have before your name? I don’t. I am also aware that Nancy is not a minister who is status-conscious and that is a plus point for me in a political leader. So well done, Nancy.

Ting did a pretty well-thought greeting with just a few lines extending his best wishes for Yuletide. He did not even sign off with his name as his photo in the card was enough to tell all who he was. I thought that was cute and smart. No name, no “YB Datuk”, no nothing – now that’s a Christmas card!

Sebastian Ting
I feel a little awkward for this critique of another greeting card but I will mention no name. It came from another minister with his full titles and his position. What is noteworthy is that he is a Christian.
Many might think that I am dealing with a trivial issue here. That is understandable for most. VIPs could have reasons why their many honorifics must show in their greeting cards. That has to be respected.
It’s just that I happen to put simplicity and humility on top of my score sheet. Like I’ve said, having an ego and the need to feel important is not wrong. But that would be showing that you are a class above many others. That does not work for me, especially if you are a politician.
Psychoanalysis of ego is “the part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and the unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity”. It’s a trap which we should avoid.
We all know that outgoing US President Donald Trump has an ego the size of an ostrich egg. But what has happened to the most powerful man on the planet today? Don’t be a Trump.
I believe I will be receiving fewer greeting cards from politician friends after this, probably none at all for the forthcoming Chinese New Year in February. Haha.
But if you are a big shot (if you think you are one) and if your name is Joseph, I would love to receive one from you, signing off as simply from “Joe & family”.
That will make my day.

FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is the author of ‘Hijack in Malaysia: The Fall of Pakatan Harapan’. Obtain autographed copies from [email protected]. - Mkini


The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.


Artikel ini hanyalah simpanan cache dari url asal penulis yang berkebarangkalian sudah terlalu lama atau sudah dibuang :

http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2020/12/of-christmas-cards-politicians-and-ego.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MalaysiansMustKnowTheTruth+%28Malaysians+M

Kempen Promosi dan Iklan
Kami memerlukan jasa baik anda untuk menyokong kempen pengiklanan dalam website kami. Serba sedikit anda telah membantu kami untuk mengekalkan servis percuma aggregating ini kepada semua.

Anda juga boleh memberikan sumbangan anda kepada kami dengan menghubungi kami di sini
Christmas Activities Allowed In Cmco And Rmco Areas With Conditions

Christmas Activities Allowed In Cmco And Rmco Areas With Conditions

papar berkaitan - pada 19/12/2020 - jumlah : 230 hits
Christians who live in areas under the conditional or recovery movement control order are allowed to attend service at their respective churches for Christmas this Dec 24 and 25 According to a presser by Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob...
Ivacy Vpn Ivacy Christmas Vpn Deal 90 Off 5 Year Plan

Ivacy Vpn Ivacy Christmas Vpn Deal 90 Off 5 Year Plan

papar berkaitan - pada 18/12/2020 - jumlah : 254 hits
Ivacy VPN Ivacy Christmas VPN Deal 90 Off 5 Year PlanJD Sports RED SALE
17 Beautiful Christmas Luminaries That Will Add A Magic Touch To Your Home

17 Beautiful Christmas Luminaries That Will Add A Magic Touch To Your Home

papar berkaitan - pada 18/12/2020 - jumlah : 256 hits
The magic of Christmas is a wonderful thing But it doesn t come on its own If you ve ever wonder what really makes this festive season so magical it is the ambient created by all the The post appeared first on
From Masses To Party Packs Churches To Take Christmas Online

From Masses To Party Packs Churches To Take Christmas Online

papar berkaitan - pada 18/12/2020 - jumlah : 210 hits
Catholic churches in the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese will live stream their Christmas services just like they did during Easter PETALING JAYA It will be Christmas with a difference for many Christians in Malaysia this year as churches take the...
10 Decorative Ideas For The Christmas Table Setting

10 Decorative Ideas For The Christmas Table Setting

papar berkaitan - pada 19/12/2020 - jumlah : 284 hits
Christmas is a special celebration as it is a time that we celebrate with family and friends The preparations for this occasion are a challenge from the moment to decide the decorative items to how the The post appeared first on
Christmas Garland What Is It And Decoration Gallery

Christmas Garland What Is It And Decoration Gallery

papar berkaitan - pada 19/12/2020 - jumlah : 270 hits
Do you know Christmas garland Certainly yes This is because this is the most Christmas to all Christmas ornament that exists It goes well inside and outside the house in traditional or modern decorations on the ceiling The post appeared fir...
Swipe Right On Netflix For A Jolly Christmas

Swipe Right On Netflix For A Jolly Christmas

papar berkaitan - pada 21/12/2020 - jumlah : 243 hits
2020 has put many things on pause including for many the pursuit of a better half Fret not as not all hope is lost because you can still swipe right on Netflix because we re The post appeared first on
Get Your Most Personal Christmas Home So Far

Get Your Most Personal Christmas Home So Far

papar berkaitan - pada 21/12/2020 - jumlah : 335 hits
Although we still do not know with whom we will be able to share a table and good times this Christmas do not let uncertainty invade you get inspired by these tips to ensure that The post appeared first on
Unlocking Savings Expert Tips For Finding Discounted Cigarettes In Australia

A Sucker Punch For Rm1 000 What S The Value Of Dignity In Malaysia

Anwar Slams Hypocritical Criticism Over His Response To Najib S Apology

Sindiket Caj Rm15 000 Bawa Masuk Warga Bangladesh Ke Malaysia Tumpas

Makan Malam Tiga Beranak Di Adam Kitchen

Rakyat Malaysia Jadi Tentera Upahan Di Ukraine Dipercayai Masih Hidup Kpn

Tan Sri Vincent Tan Dan U Mobile

Empat Sekawan Dipenjara Tiga Tahun Culik Budak Perempuan


echo '';
Biodata Terkini Penyanyi Illa Sabry Peserta Gegar Vaganza 2024 Musim 11 GV11

Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Senyawa iQIYI Malaysia

Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Project Projek Exit Astro Originals

Pelajari Asal Usul Nama Makhluk Seram Kisah Fiksyen Barat Yang Terkenal

10 Fakta Filem Kahar Kapla High Council Yang Ramai Tak Tahu Prekuel Drama Project Projek High Council


Resipi Sup Keting Masak Sendiri Baru Puas Boleh Makan Banyak

Tak Perlu Layan Dakwaan Jejaka Umur Baru 35 Tahun Dah Ada Simpanan Kwsp Lebih Dari Rm2 Juta

Perang Ekonomi As China M Sia Pas Sertai Brics

Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Glass Block In Your Next Project

Malaysia Singapore To Jointly Nominate Chingay For Unesco List

Sabah Air Belum Mohon Lesen Perkhidmatan Udara Kata Menteri Pengangkutan