Friday, December 26, 2014

Dynasties... are they a problem?

So let's be clear about this: there is nothing intrinsically wrong with children inheriting a busyness or political position from their parents - so long as they are capable and will do as well, if not better. Indeed, this is perfectly natural a phenomenon since some qualities do get passed down the genetic line. 

Even more often, children of famous people will achieve fame on their own terms in a totally different field - but just as often, they get eclipsed by their father's celebrity and end up struggling with an identity crisis.

I have absolutely no problem with the idea of politicians I like and admire - Kit Siang, Anwar, Karpal, to name a few - passing their legacies on to the next generation, so long as their children are equally, if not more, admirable. In the case of all three, I'm pleased that all their progeny have turned out remarkably capable and electable. Can't say the same for Mahathir's kids, though... or Najib's.

1 comment:

Jules Z said...

Nah, I can't see it as a problem. Unless of course the intent right from get go is a negative one. They have the best teachers of life that money can't buy. So, if Daddy says RM20b is never enough, then he or she would never learn how to count anything with less than 10 zeros.