Datuk Zaid Ibrahim
Lawyer Datuk Zaid was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of legal affairs and judicial reform in Mac 2008. He resigned six months later after criticising arrests made under the Internal Security Act. His community work earned him a place in Forbes Asia "Heroes of Philanthropy" last year. datuk Zaid recently set up myFuture Foundation, aimed at educating the youths towards a unified Malaysia.

Do you care who your leaders are?

Albert Khor, 22, Glasgow, UK
"I do care, and I will question them from time and time if there's a chance because that's my responsibility as a citizen."

Daphne, 21, Johor
"Yes, because these people are going to lead me."

Ong Siew Lee, 22, Petaling Jaya
"Yes, we do, if they care to listen to what we have to say."

Jessica Kan, 22, Kuala Lumpur
"Duh. They decide if we are going to have food or peace."

Regina Yeo, 17, Selangor
"As long as they are good, no."

Sara Khong, 23, KL
"Yes I do. The blind leading the blind will only lead to both falling into a pit. I not only don't want to fall into a pit; I want to climb a mountain."

Lynne Shane, 19, Subang Jaya, Selangor
"YEAH! Like a BIG yesss!! As young as some of us may be, but I personally care who ARE my leaders. Take for example the Subang MP, Hannah Yeoh, I see her doing a lot for the Subang residents. The traffic situations on my regular route is improving by the day and I really need to give her credits for it. At least I seeeeee something is being done in my neighbourhood! She even supported the Earth Hour 2009 held at Sunway Pyramid and it was really encouraging to see her there."

Ong Wei Lin, 16, Penang
Absolutely, leaders are always the front-runner for the whole country. If our leaders are involved in immoral activities, then the whole country will be ‘pulled into the water’(a mandarin phrase that means suffered). I am always following the development of Malaysia, economy and politics."

Jason Lioh, 25, Malacca
"Not really, as long as they do their job, a good job."

Samentha James, 15, Ipoh
"Not really. They don't bring much difference but the new ones seems to be trying."

Syarifah Syaliza Alia, 21, student
"Yes and no. Of course, I want whoever my leaders are be it in my community or in my government to be a capable and forward moving individual. I want to be able to look up to my leaders, stand behind them proudly and see that their actions are resulting in positive impacts.
But if I am to be honest, I can’t say if I’ve put any effort in actually finding out whether any of my leaders fulfil these qualities. I don’t even know who some of my leaders are! I have no excuse for this other than laziness and the ignorance of living in a bubble."

Parthiban Muniandy, 24, PhD Student
"Of course! I care about what they do and what they stand for- and whether or not they hold true to their principles."

Jo Jo, 22, student
"I'm not someone who's into politics etc, so if i were to say 'I care' (who they are), i would be lying. That said, I care about what they do and whether or not it would effect the nation."

Adeline Mei Yen Chang, 18, Klang
"I don't think I care about who they are. That's unimportant. But I do care about what they do. What policies they set in place, and whether that policy would benefit or harm. What good they do to the nation."

David Lian, 26, Kuala Lumpur
"Of course, but I wish more leaders would give us something to care about! Not enough leaders talk about issues. Too many talk politics and skirt issues.

And many who think they are talking issues, sit on the prickly fence with no one strong position or another. I want a leader that's unafraid to voice his/her opinion and tackle the really tough issues."

Phang Kuan Hoong, 27, Kuala Lumpur, musician
"Yes, far too much sometimes that it pains me."

Chong Jia Chun, 18, Malacca
"YES, very much indeed. It is crucial to have leaders who inspire the younger generation like me (us). They must set good examples. We need inspiration from them. They must practise what they preach and keep their words. Promises aren't meant to be broken and they should not give lame excuses when they fail to meet with the people's expectations. Leaders should motivate everyone, especially people working with them to achieve a common goal."

Yee Wan Ting, 20
"No, but I do care whether he or she is incompetent."

Tomi Entaban, 24, testing engineer
"I don’t care, as long as my religion, culture and beliefs are not at risk. Up until now, i believe Malaysia has been blessed with good leaders who managed to turn the country into a developed, peaceful nation. "