The 3 Interests
I had a discussion with my husband regarding an issue recently. At the end of the day, he concluded that most of the time, politicians are caught with 3 interests ie, self interest, Party’s interest and People’s interest.
I have been doing some thinking about it. Of course, certain issues that are closed to my heart are bothering me. Which is the better approach to handle the matters? It is because of the conflict of the interests.
When I read about the front page news report in NST dated 16.4.2008 I told myself, “Wow, that was exactly what my hubby said to me!” .
In fact, I did not complete writing this posting and just kept it in this draft box until the NST reported it. (now, another week delay in posting it.)
Let us do some case study:-
Azalina’s announcement of not giving the allocation to the 5 opposition led states, I tried to understand her move and made some comparison with some of the issues which I have yet to find the proper approach of handling them.
It is obvious, in the said Tourism allocation,Party’s interest was given priority over People’s interest. She is holding a public office position. She is controlling the funds. As such, I would prioritise as such 1st ) Party’s interest, 2) Self interest and 3) People’s interest. Is she acting for or against her Party’s interest?
Now, about the “Save MCA Campaign” and some of the UMNO’s leaders call for Abdullah to step down due to the losses BN had suffered in the recent election, how would you prioritise the 3 interests?
When the MCA is at the worst position now, you have some leaders or members highlighting the weaknesses of the Party leadership and “sharing of information” which were against the people’s interest, but known to them much earlier, were only disclosed now. This “Save MCA Campaign” team is acting for Party’s interest, People’s interest and followed by Self Interest ? Or, For People’s interest, Against Self Interest and Party’s interest?
If they have launched the said campaign before 8th of March, how would you then prioritise the 3 interests?
The ground were angry with the administration of Pak Lah, to me, that includes his leadership. Why the public could not hear those voices speaking up for the UMNO interest/Party’s interest before 8th of March? Perhaps, to this group of people, if MCA and UMNO /BN did well, then, it would be none issues, though, the administration were acting against the people’s interest.
While a Party is doing well, speaking up against the majority views, how then would you prioritise the 3 interests? To the majority, she is acting against the Party’s interest. However, to the minority, she is acting for Party’s interest. Certainly, it will be against her self interest. Will you see her acts as giving priority for the People’s interest?
Most of the time, most of them would just remain silent, either to protect their self interest or Party interest. Again, what about people’s interest?
When the 3 interests are in conflict, being a politician, it is not an easy task to handle it.
YB - always speak up for the people. We live in interesting times and as long as we are always mindful of the three priorities at hand, it will be much easier if you continue to focus on what matters most. Getting elected by the people means you are representing the people’s interest at heart. Seriously, politicians face this dilemma day in and day out. I am beginning to feel it myself as I slowly seep into the mainstream politics. It’s always good to use the blog to share your ideas.
Be always vigilant. I like your article and I will repost it on my web tonite. It’s good that you ask questions like these. Otherise, it’s against party’s interest to continue to toe the line. When you are within the party, your opposition to some policies or directions does not make you far less loyal that the ones who remain silent. Trust me - you will always have the support of the people if you show integrity in your actions and words. Stay focus and be steadfast. Many of us in the mainstream rakyat have come on board. I am not alone…trust me.
Comment by jeffrey chew — April 24, 2008 @ 1:05 am
Self-interest cannot be delegated to second or third place. Nothing wrong with self-interest. It becomes perverted when one becomes selfish at expense of others.
A person who looks after his interest well is best qualified to look after other people’s interest. If one cannot care himself, how can he care for others? We don’t serve in a vacuum. Generousity of heart comes from self-adequacy. One who doesn’t have, cannot give. But there are people who are so rich and yet so stingy cos they have not enough courage to give.
Life is not a zero sum game. The little we have and we give away, the more we will be blessed.
So, there is no right and wrong answer in a given situation. It all depends on the motive of the heart at that given situation.
Comment by cheang — April 24, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
Congratulations on your re-election by the people. I would like you to consider this…why should the Party’s interests be different from the peoples’ interests?
Are you elect to serve the Party or the people? See what is happening to the opposition (BN)now. If they continue to ignore the wishes of the people by declaring that Party interest (which also means their own self interest) is more important than doing what is good for the nation, then the people will ignore them in the future.
Malaysians are becoming more politically aware, and maybe this will encourage the political parties in power to allow their elected representatives to vote according to their conscience on issues which only benefit themselves and not the people.
Pax.
Comment by Hitam Had — April 24, 2008 @ 4:34 pm
There will always be conflict of interest. If there’s no self interest in becoming an MP, they should do away with MP’s benefits & pensions which led to a stable life for them.
I’ve read an article about how America’s politicians are so distance from what’s happening to the average man on the street. I hope it’s not the same here.
Comment by peisheah — April 24, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
it is an interesting article about conflict of interest and it is in the interest of all to set a moral rule to govern how we deal with our interests over matters that are of great interest.
;-P
YB, seriously, the fact that you acknowledge the dilemma shows that you care. Unlike the sporty lady who seems to throw toys out of her pram.
Your husband is providing morale support and that’s great. As we speak of conflict, I do feel that as a democracy, majority wins but we also need to care for minority interest and only with a nation that is healty and wealthy, we can afford that. It is crucial that Malaysian remains competitive in all areas hence able to earn sufficient resource for the good of nation.
Nice talking to ya the other day…..
Comment by lee wee tak — April 24, 2008 @ 6:31 pm
YB Fong,
The only loyalty you owe yourself to is not party but your inner voice.
Any organisation no matter how ideal is led by people. As people, no one is perfect and subject to failings and misjudgement, including myself. We all stand corrected. We are obligated not to follow blindly.
Jawarhalal Nehru had a good grasp of enlightened self-interest. It’s in pursuing the greater good of society that our self-interest is taken care of.
This giant among men was very aware of his human weaknesses. At the height of his popularity in India, he wrote anonymous letters to the press asking the public not to tempt their prime minister with power by idolising him.
Comment by cheang — April 24, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
Yb Fong,
very interesting analysis! I think politicians should strive towards people-interest, self-interest and party-interest. I odn’t believe in compromising one’s principles for “political party” interest. more so, i think personal principles of politicians, should be first and foremost for the welfare of the people.
how do people balance these interests? i wonder.
Thanks for a good piece of writing. perhaps, it s good to share these thoughts with your other DAP/PKR/PAS colleagues.
Comment by tomatoinc — April 24, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
First and foremost let me extend my congratulation to you Y.B. being re-elected as the M.P. for Batu Gajah.
I personally think most of the politicians from the Barisan Nasional Components Parties prioritise self-interest above other interests,and I doubt they have any people’s interest at all especially those from MCA and Gerakan.I pray and hope the politician from Pakatan Rakyat Components Parties will not follow their footstep where all of you P.R.’s Y.B.s will place the rakyat’s interest above all the other interests.
Comment by Ricky Quah — April 24, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
Economists would say everyone works in their self-interest. To pursue party’s interest or people’s interest is ultimately going to benefit the person herself. If she acts against party’s interest, she may face the consequences of losing her job (for example, the party leader may appoint or support someone else). If she acts against people’s interest, even if the party allows her to contest in the election, the people may vote her out. It is self interest that motivates a person to pursue the party’s interest or people’s interest.
Comment by Economist — April 25, 2008 @ 12:45 am
YB Fong,
You do well by not succumbing to public pressure nor any individual. Public expectations are very high and unforgiving for any perceived slip re: the MPs who failed to submit questionaires to Dewan. I empathise with the harassed MPs cos as newly elected they had to attend to a myriad of urgent matters brought up by their constituents. I can imagine they might hardly have enough time to recuperate from their hectic schedules. 24 hours not enough for them with pressing needs — both personal and public.
MPs are not slaves. They have a life, too. Too easy for many to pass judgement. If they are employees, I wonder if their boss treat them like that.
Appraisal of performance is over a reasonable period of time. 100 days not over yet. And too premature to condemn over a minor infraction. Asking questions for the sake of asking? Is submitting questions the end of all of a MP’s duty? Moreover, the voters have a role to help their MP to become better. Then again, it’s up to the individual MP to make a judgement call whether the issue brought up is fair and justifiable.
Comment by cheang — April 25, 2008 @ 9:30 am
A MP is elected by the people to serve the people. The quality of the MP is what matters to the people. In recent years as MP, You have prove yourself to have the integrity, humbleness and hardworking qualities to serve the people at your constituents and parliament level. Your report card says it all. Comparing you to some of the BN leaders, what can they show in their report cards beside the corrupted, “yes boss” culture and the racist alliance they serve. The people view this: As long as you serve the people with the right attitude and fulfill what have been promised (People’s interests), this will directly lift up the image of the party you present (Party’s interests). Finally, for all your sacrifices to the people, you’ll get the credit, love and trust and also be remembered by the people and generations to come (Self Interests).
Comment by People Power — April 25, 2008 @ 10:28 am
YB. It is very important to put “Self Interest” first. Nothing more important than Self or Family. Once the Self is taken care then should one serve the People. Party interest will be dead last. For if the ideology of the party changes, a good MP can always join or form other party. A good MP will not follow the Party leadership blindly.
1. Self 2. People 3. Party.
Comment by Uncle Leow — April 25, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
Poh Kuan,
All three interests are important.Which one to give priority to depends on the circumstances in each particular case.For example, if integrity and principles are concerned self interest should prevail.Where party manifesto is concerned, if you subscribed to it, then Party interests rule.Generally,I think, Peoples’ interests should be given priority!
Comment by sklee — April 25, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
YB Fong,
It’s nice to hear Uncle Leow’s encouraging words to you. Hope you are convinced.
I want you to detoxify yourself from toxic people. A lot of character assassination following your episode prior to PRU 12. How many of them apologised after you decided to return?
But having met you, I believe in you. I don’t easily equate a person’s moral standing by his association with party or religion cos I have seen enough of hypocrites.
From a distance they show moral courage, but on closer scrutiny they are just a show.
Comment by cheang — April 25, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
I read a lot abt great movers and shakers of society. Common among them is compassion. They don’t love themselves less. Their love transcends self. They cannot tolerate social injustice. So they take up causes to their own inconveniences cos they have no choice but to suffer.
To them, it’s better to die and suffer than to live.
Comment by cheang — April 25, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
Demonstrating integrity by upholding the interests of the rakyat as priority will yield fulfilment in the interest of the party and self, unless of course, the desired final effects of the later two contradicts with the former. So be wise and choose your standing and principles carefully so that all three will ‘jive’. Very often personal and party financial fullfilment will not goes in well with the rakyat. But in this world, there are many other fullfilment besides monetary. To be able to be loved by the people, garnaring respects and being able to help the lesser endowed and down trotten are the higher plateau of fulfilment that YB’s like you should be aiming for. Rgds, Supporter from Petaling Jaya.
Comment by Professional DAP Supporter — April 26, 2008 @ 9:37 am
BN has alway been practising party’s interest although there are many who have self interest first. Party’s interest is for show to boost self image or self interest.
When was the last time we heard BN place People’s interest above all else?
http://pakatanrakyat-perak.blogspot.com
Comment by Billgates — April 26, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Dear Po Kuan,
If the party is set up to look after the needs of the rakyat, then by right, the rakyat and party interests should be aligned. There are times where, out of political compromises, leaders do things contrary to the interests of the rakyat.
I think those who seeks public office should know that at the end of the day, who they are serving and they should put their interests paramount over party and self interests. That goes without saying that person will step on many toes of his/her colleagues.
But who will dare to do such things when these people are also your supporters?
Comment by myop101 — April 30, 2008 @ 8:08 am