Humility and Arrogance

After a short three days and two nights stay in Kuala Lumpur, U.S. President Barack Obama just left, but the “Obama whirlwind” he caused has yet to diminish in strength, allowing Malaysians to relish in it.

Politicians and business people might only see the diplomatic and economic benefits that Obama brought, but this great country’s leader’s natural show of modesty and simplicity has left a deep impression on the public here.

Powerful leaders who have visited in the past have often been subject to the limitations of diplomatic etiquette, their words and actions careful and serious. After the welcoming ceremony, military inspection and banquet ceremony have been completed — that is, the end of the visit — rarely have they caused ripples in the hearts of the people, let alone leave an impression.

However, Obama’s modesty, affinity and sincere smile have moved Malaysians. They do not see in Obama a haughty or domineering political leader. They have just one word to describe him: modest.

That is because he would first ask about the name of the person serving him, amiably asking about his or her work experience; he would pull out his own chair to seat himself, his attitude allowing others to feel relaxed. At the gym he shared with other hotel guests, he would warmly smile to others. He took photos together with the hotel staff and gave them his autograph. He crouched down and bent over to talk to little children as a father would.

His natural language and friendly attitude fully show his humble and polite demeanor. Obama acts this way because he pursues a political idea of equality and respect.

These scenes allowed the Malaysian public a real insight into a superpower’s leader’s boldness, friendliness and humility.

Obama not only treats others with modesty, but he also upholds an attitude of equality, respect and humility. The speech he made during his visit, reminding the Malaysian government that it should treat non-Muslims fairly, is in line with his “principle of fairness and progress” and comes straight from his heart.

Political figures with such humility and tolerance are few and far between in Malaysian politics, but there are many who assume unwarranted authority based on some unimportant pretext by their superiors, or who become insolent and swollen with arrogance after assuming power.

An example is Interior Minister Ahmad Zahid’s attitude, when he published his “Immigrant Theory,” after the general election last year, readily reprimanding reporters, stating that their newspapers would be shut down if they reported on his activities. Other incidents, such as Pahang Chief Minister Adnan Yaakob’s abusive behavior toward a Chinese newspaper reporter and former Perkasa (nongovernmental Malay supremacy organization) Vice President Zulkifli Nordin’s behavior of insulting Karpal Singh after he passed away, all show the typical arrogant style of politicians.

The politicians in Malaysia lack the idea of equality and respect, making them seem all the more vulgar, rude and ignorant when compared with the humble and polite demeanor that Obama has demonstrated at all times, regardless of the occasion, causing the Malaysians to feel ashamed. This also explains why Obama’s common touch and modest style have left such a deep impression on the people and caused them to flock to him.