If you want to be honest with yourself, you have to take criticism, even if you attract adverse comments from others.
Mahathir MohamadRead
I believe that every leader has a right to implement his own policy. But when I see things that are done that are not right - abuse of power, wrong approaches, wrong strategies, making use of foreign consultants, including those discarded by other countries - I feel that I have to have my say.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leaders should have the autonomy to lead, but they must be held accountable for their decisions and actions.
In this quote, Mahathir Mohamad emphasizes the importance of leadership autonomy while also highlighting the responsibility that comes with it. He expresses concern over abuses and poor practices in leadership, asserting that it is essential to voice dissent when policies or strategies are unjust or ineffective, particularly if they involve questionable influences such as foreign consultants.
Themes
LeadershipPolicyAccountabilityPowerStrategy
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar to discuss ethical governance.
More from Mahathir Mohamad
All quotes →It would seem the people who want to preserve the Penans' way of life are condemning them to a life full of diseases and a shorter life span.
Mahathir MohamadRead
There are certain things that we can deal with by following the rules. But at times, we find the rules restrict you from doing the right things. On such occasions, we have to rethink - either you change the rules or break the rules.
Mahathir MohamadRead
In my years, I had the opportunity to observe peoples and countries. I see some countries doing well, others failing, and my analysis of things is that whether you fail or succeed is a function of your value system.
Mahathir MohamadRead
Free press is not absolute. In this country, we say clearly if you start stirring up racial hatred, then we will put a stop to it. We might even close down your paper, because these things can only lead to a lot of riots and bloodshed.
Mahathir MohamadRead
Independence means we enjoy freedom. We are not colonised by people. And we can govern our own country and develop it independently so that our people can live a better life.
Mahathir MohamadRead
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