MALAYSIA IN 2004 Abdullah Badawi Defines his Leadership

Abstract

Abdullah quickly forged his own course for nation, but kept some fundamental dynamics in consonance with his predecessor, man who steered Malaysia for 22 years. One fundamental he shared with Mahathir Mohamed was a deep sense that it was government, but more specifically leader and the role of leadership, which made difference in success or failure of a nation. Abdullah said, is it that some Islamic countries are poor and weak? Why is it that some [Islamic] countries are not poor and weak? There is a difference, and difference is in terms of government, role played by government and role of leadership.1 Such a sense of leadership ? whether Abdullah's or Mahathir's ? is a heavy mantle to assume. It is even more burdensome when medium and messenger change. Mahathir's style of leadership was about deciding, demanding, and if necessary, deriding. However, Abdullah is courteous and consensual, not wont to showing ? and thus giving notice ? that he wants his way. But Abdullah Badawi knew enormous task he faced as a leader, because of his huge mandate from people. Amidst celebrations over their electoral victory in March, he constantly reminded his political party that much was now expected of them.