Was the Timing Right?

When Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor and Former Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on his arrival in Sabah told reporters that Pakatan Rakyat is in a position to form the federal government no later than 16 September 2008, he is talking about right timing. The Star Online has the full report, here.

It appears to me that there are relationships between timing, what-to-do (mission) and where-to-go (vision)vis-a-vis leadership, the decisions made before the General Election (GE) and the outcomes of such decisions. Each one of these is equally important.

First, there was this denial on the dissolution of the Malaysian Parliament on the 12 February 2008. Then, in less than 24 hours came the announcement on the dissolution of the parliament on the 13 February 2008. This was followed by the EC Chairman's announcement on the polling date.

So, the decision was made on the GE and the polling date. Thereafter, there were opinions and feedbacks and reactions from both BN component parties and the oppositions. There were also allegations on the non-sensitivity on the part of the government as the Chinese were still celebrating their Chinese New Year.

When the results of the GE were announced, the ruling coalition, BN lost their 2/3 majority. On the other hand the opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat set unprecedented victory and formed state governments in four additional states other than Kelantan. They also swept 10 seats out of 11 in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

We have observed that the aftermath of GE resulted in calls from members of the ruling coalition especially UMNO, for the top leadership to take full responsibility for the dismal performance in the polls. We have also read in mainstream media instances of 'stone-throwing' among members of the ruling coalition at state leaderships for their poor performance, especially in the four states that had fallen to Pakatan Rakyat.

What can we learn from these unprecedented events?

Leaders recognized that execution is as important as the strategy (how to go to where you and your people want to be). But, effective leaders ensured that when to lead (timing) is as important as what to do (mission) and where to go (vision.)

When a leader decides to make his moves, there are four possible outcomes:

1. Disaster - when a wrong action is executed at a wrong time;
2. Mistakes - when a wrong action is executed at the right time;
3. Resistance to Change - when the right action is executed at the wrong timing;
4. Success - when the right action is executed at the right time.

In my assessment is it apparent that every Malaysian leader is mindful of these outcomes. But, what makes a leader great is his ability to effectively scan his environment, both internal and external and thereafter articulates himself and executes his strategic moves. However, if a leader repeatedly shows poor judgement, even in things regarded as trivial by his followers, then the followers will start to think and believe that having him is a liability.