REMBANG, kiprahkita.net – As the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections (Pilkada) approach, scheduled for November, the public is being urged not to be swayed by "sugar-coated" leaders.
This warning was delivered by the Chairman of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah, Prof. Haedar Nashir, during a visit to Rembang Regency on Monday (12/8).
Haedar cautioned the public against being easily seduced by candidates who merely project an image of superficial populism. As a Professor of Sociology, Haedar emphasized the importance of choosing leaders who are genuinely pro-people, as evidenced by policies that uplift, advance, and educate the populace.
Quoting from the official Muhammadiyah website on Wednesday (14/8), Haedar delivered a stern message: the public should not be drawn to leaders who offer a "sugar-coated" image, appearing to align with the people while their policies ultimately do not benefit the public and may even be harmful.
"In this era of information disruption, candidates competing in the upcoming Pilkada can easily be portrayed as simple, hardworking individuals, even going so far as to enter drains or sewers to win public sympathy," he said.
However, Haedar pointed out that leaders who only display artificial populism should not be chosen. "A leader who is skilled at creating an image without real work will bring negative consequences for the people," he added.
Haedar also warned that such leaders might appear to be working, but their efforts yield no tangible results, as seen in regions where poverty rates remain high despite their supposed efforts.
He urged the public to be wiser in choosing their leaders. "Please, do not be enamored with superficial displays. Favor leaders who genuinely work for the welfare of the people. If the public is not firm in their choices, the consequences could be long-lasting," Haedar emphasized.
Haedar’s message was directed at all candidates participating in the 2024 Pilkada. He stressed that a good leader is one who has a concrete work ethic, speaks little, and works a lot.
"If people praise you, be grateful; if they criticize you, that's fine too. But we must be sincere in doing the best for the people," he stated.
To achieve a successful Pilkada and substantive democracy, Haedar believes that this cannot be accomplished single-handedly.
"It must be done collectively, from political elites setting a good example to the public who are not easily tempted by artificialities," he concluded. (*/mus)
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