It seems that the unhappiness and anger against Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin for his controversial remarks has not subsided yet.

Today, he received a lesson in leadership from a BN veteran leader who is more than twice his age - Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

Without mentioning names, Lim spoke at length on what a good leader should be in his presidential address at the 35th Gerakan national delegates conference at Menara PGRM in Kuala Lumpur.

"We want leaders with a heart and also a brain. They must have a heart for the party and country, not for themselves."

"They must have brains so they know what they are doing and not take us to Holland (a Hockkien proverb which means a leader leading people to nowhere)," he told the delegates.

"Good leadership is a responsibility for the welfare of the people and country. If responsibility is exercised properly, few will get angry with your actions and decisions. A good leader is not a crowd pleaser or a populist."

"Trying to get people to like you is a sign of mediocrity or 'half past six'. I'm already saying that before becoming ex-president. I must learn how to keep my mouth shut," the Gerakan president cracked drawing laughter from the crowd.
He added that a good leader should not avoid making difficult decisions nor be afraid of confronting people who have to be confronted.

"(By) procrastinating on the difficult choices and trying to please everyone, you will end up angering and disappointing those most creative and productive in your party," he said.

Lim's remarks today is a continuation of the attacks on Khairy by the Gerakan Youth and Wanita wings yesterday and the MCA Youth meeting last week.

Khairy, who is Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law, had stirred up a controversy when he warned that the minority Chinese community would take advantage of a weakened Umno to press for their rights.

Be active in party

His comments reverberated badly with the community and has resulted in fierce criticisms made by delegates at the recent MCA general meeting on his refusal to apologise over his remarks.

Lim also issued a warning to Gerakan members not to be idle but to take a more proactive role in party politics.

"All members should be active in the party. Those who are not active should leave or resign to make way for new members who can contribute."

"Gerakan must throw such (inactive) members into the river or ocean and hope that they cannot swim and drown," he added to roars of laughter from the audience.

On a more serious note, Lim called on party members to continue cooperating with other BN components so that the nation could go full steam ahead in its plans of action for the people.
Lim, Gerakan president for 26 years, is set to hand over power to his deputy Dr Koh Tsu Koon on April 8 next year. He told the delegates that today would be his last speech as Gerakan president.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi officiated at the delegates conference this morning. The three-day meeting will end tomorrow.