COMMENT | I think it’s about time that political parties seriously adopt a ‘speak-up culture’ within their ranks. What I meant by “seriously” is that all party members and cadres must be encouraged to speak up even against their top leaders when there is a pressing need to do so.

Party leaders can argue that their members are already doing so, but is there really a mechanism put in place to encourage such a culture? I don’t think so.

Recently, I read an article about the speak-up culture, in which compliance experts share practical insights on how to establish such a culture in the workplace.

The writer notes that speaking up in the face of problems is not as welcomed and practised as it could, should and needs to be for the health of an organisation and all its stakeholders.

“A speak-up culture is not accomplished without its value first being recognised and a detailed plan for accomplishing it being implemented, supported, reviewed, adjusted and carried out skillfully and in a way that employees trust,” he adds.

I see the need and relevance for such a culture in political parties too. A successful speak-up culture must be consistent and aligned with the party’s objectives and values and be an integral part of the overall party culture.

Of late, two senior leaders of DAP and PKR, Teng Chang Khim and Rafizi Ramli respectively, have been very vocal.

I bother to pay attention to what they say because they are not the known lame and weak politicians who thrive on politicking and issue stale and monotonous statements like many of their colleagues. When they see the need to bring up their concerns to the public domain, particularly on party matters, they came out with their guns blazing.

No, I was not at all surprised with Teng’s statement urging his party...