Walking the Talk: Anwar Ibrahim's Promises Versus Reality

Walking the Talk: Anwar Ibrahim's Promises Versus Reality

13 Mar 2024 • 8:36 AM MYT

Mihar Dias
A behaviourist by training, a consultant and executive coach by profession

Image credit: World Of Buzz

By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright March 2024


PM Anwar Ibrahim seems to be facing mounting criticism from former PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin regarding his leadership and ability to deliver on promises.


Muhyiddin's remarks in Parliament recently highlight a growing sentiment among Malaysians that the current government is failing to address key issues such as the falling Ringgit, rising prices of goods, and overall economic instability.


Muhyiddin's assertion that Malaysians are losing confidence in Anwar is further exacerbated by the viral circulation of old videos showcasing Anwar's promises that have yet to materialize.


This raises questions about Anwar's effectiveness in fulfilling his commitments and meeting the expectations of the people.


The call for Anwar to "walk the talk" is a direct challenge to his leadership, urging him to not just make promises but also take concrete actions to address the concerns of the people.


The current state of the Malaysian economy demands decisive leadership and effective policy measures, not just rhetoric.


In the context of management theory, "Walking the Talk" is exemplified by leaders who not only make promises but also actively engage in the day-to-day operations of their organizations to ensure those promises are fulfilled. One such leader is Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, who famously practiced Management by Walking Around (MBWA).


Welch would regularly visit different departments within GE to interact with employees, listen to their concerns, and gain a firsthand understanding of how the organization was functioning. This approach allowed him to stay connected to the ground realities of the business and make informed decisions that aligned with his strategic vision.


Similarly, leaders like Anwar Ibrahim could benefit from adopting a similar approach. By actively engaging with the Malaysian people, listening to their concerns, and taking concrete actions to address their needs, Anwar could demonstrate his commitment to fulfilling his promises and rebuilding confidence in his leadership.


However, critics argue that Anwar's leadership style lacks the hands-on approach necessary to effectively address the current economic challenges facing Malaysia.


They argue that while Anwar is adept at making promises and delivering speeches, he falls short when it comes to implementing tangible solutions that produce real results.


As the pressure mounts on Anwar to deliver on his promises and restore confidence in his leadership, the concept of "Walking the Talk" becomes increasingly relevant.


Leaders who can effectively bridge the gap between rhetoric and action are more likely to succeed in today's challenging economic and political environment.


As Malaysians continue to grapple with economic challenges, it is crucial for leaders like Anwar to demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of the people through tangible actions and policies.


The time for promises is over; it's time for action.