Latest news with #LittleNapoleons
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Of Little Napoleons
Often observed throwing their weight around and lording over those who rely on them, "Little Napoleons" create tension wherever they go — be it a government department, a corporate office or a school. While their disruptive presence is widely acknowledged in Malaysian society, little has been done to curb this persistent irritation. What makes these individuals particularly bothersome is their penchant for imposing unwarranted strictures on straightforward administrative processes — actions they likely deem brilliant, or believe will serve the interests of their superiors. Such examples stretch back decades: recall how women whose attires failed to meet specific conservative values were subjected to the humiliating "hair-dryer" treatment, seemingly an assertion of moral superiority. The "Little Napoleon" concept originates from the "Napoleon Complex", also known as the "Napoleon Syndrome" or "Short-Man Syndrome". While often linked to men of short stature who display overbearing public behaviour — a perceived compensation for physical or social shortcomings — the full extent of a Little Napoleon's conduct is rarely visible. Their actions are, in fact, much worse when unobserved. These individuals shower favouritism on the well-connected or those willing to "pay extra", disregarding established procedures. They deliberately obstruct or delay services, creating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and demand bribes for essential services or approvals. They also harass and threaten those who challenge their actions, using their influence to suppress dissent. A clear example is when Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, criticised the "Little Napoleon" culture at the Kangar Municipal Council after a rebranding initiative, meant to reflect its statewide role, was deliberately undermined; a critique the state's top officials quickly acknowledged. The "Little Napoleon" phenomenon, far from being a simple nuisance, has bred public distrust, bureaucratic inefficiency and organisational demoralisation. They resist modernisation, preferring traditional systems that afford them control, and oppose diversity and inclusion to maintain a homogenous workforce they can dominate. And yes, they routinely deflect accountability for their errors. Tackling this requires comprehensive governance and oversight, including increased transparency, accountability, public education and advocacy to ensure these civil servants are held responsible. Perhaps establishing an independent ombudsman or internal affairs unit could effectively resolve the problem of Little Napoleons undermining the government's good work. Public service unions are known to defend "Little Napoleons", dismissing concerns about their impact on service until it's too late. Still, the government should not cower from losing public favour or give in to political blackmail when purging unmotivated, unproductive and uncommitted civil servants. For these "Little Napoleons", it's simple: shape up or get shipped out.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Raja Of Perlis Reprimands Kangar Municipal Council Officers For 'Little Napoleon' Behaviour
KANGAR, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, today reprimanded several Kangar Municipal Council (MPKangar) officers for not performing their duties well and behaving like 'Little Napoleons,' which could tarnish the council's name and image. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin stated that he himself had experiences dealing with MPKangar officers that showed they need to change their attitude and work methods. "MPKangar does good work, but there are still 'Little Napoleons' who remain in power, tarnishing MPKangar's name because they are not doing their jobs properly.
Malaysiakini
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
DBKL has plot of land that can fit 12k affordable homes
'Indeed, city councils like DBKL are now seemingly run like private, for-profit companies that prioritise developers' interests without considering residents' welfare and interests. 'The Pakatan Harapan government will work hard to empower democracy and transparency in DBKL systematically. This effort will ensure that all Malaysians can elect reliable, inclusive representation that represents the interests of the people, not the developers.' - Pakatan Harapan manifesto, October 2022 COMMENT | These prophetic words, first spoken and then written, gave hope to millions of Malaysians, who were 'victims' of the many Little Napoleons in local councils. It would be wrong to assume that I am yet again reminding the government of one of the many promises it made during its campaign to wrest the government from BN control. But why would the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) be singled out for mention? It was then and is still the country's most significant and richest local authority.
