Succession in Leadership

My Neighbourhood Watch Committee or commonly known as RT of SS25A has a meeting last week. While the main focus was on the security issue and performance of the patrolling service, we discussed the proposed new committee line up for next year. Although Mr Loh, the current chairman has done a good job, he declined to continue citing job commitment as a reason. We pushed amongst ourselves on who should lead, who should serve and who should be there. At the end of the meeting, we cannot reach a consensus and nobody has volunteered to take over the chairmanship and key positions. Many have, however offered to serve as committee members. The RT is definitely having a succession problem.

It is not new to all residents organisations in Petaling Jaya. We saw the fall of an active residents groups after the leadership lost their interest or the change of new personnel. Serving community in voluntary basis is a job not welcome by everyone as you will not praise by those you served, but rather a blame if some unbecoming happened.

I saw some excellent organisations with the chairman running around. Then, it means time is at his leisure. Many of the time, these organisations are serving by retirees or those who are not worried financially. That explain why most of the time we saw the same face of people attending functions. Obviously, it is not healthy for the development and growth of community based organisations.

Towards a local sustainable community, succession in leadership is a big challenge. Younger stakeholders have to be groomed and prepared to take over the helm. The soonest better. Young adult has to be exposed to various community challenges and opportunities. Hence, organising activities with youth flavour should be planned, I guess.

If succession in leadership is not looked into seriously, I presume years in years out we are fighting for the same issues and challenges --- To get people to aware, understand and appreciate the meaning of sustainable development and Local Agenda 21.