On Being Professional

We often find the word professionalism bantered around that it’s assumed the meaning of the term is practically self-evident. I mention this because I was of struck by the prime minister’s advice to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) that it must act professionally.

But exactly what does it mean to act professionally? As the Malaysiakini report noted, the PM suggested that dedication, impartiality, fairness, and lawful conduct is essential to professionally discharging ones duties and responsibilities. Frankly, one would be hard pressed to quibble with these traits which have been associated with the notion of professionalism.

For me, however, equally imperative – if not more so – is the criteria of ethical conduct. Above all else, when we conduct ourselves ethically in discharging our duties, it conveys everything else that is implicit and redeeming about the notion of professionalism. Let me give you a superb example of professionalism:  High Court judicial commissioner Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof deciding to recuse himself from hearing the case of Nizar vs Zambry and the saga of who is the lawful mentri besar of Perak. And the reason for his decision was? The potential appearance of conflict of interest as the judge was formerly a member of PAS.

Even Badawi would have to concur that such is the essence of professionalism.

Now let me give you a few other scenarios from recent events and let you decide if you consider them radiating with professionalism. Here goes:

Read more at: http://imagineequality.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-being-professional.html