Frugality

What is frugality all about? I remember reading about the ex Iranian president Mohammed Khatami who gives all his money to his wife. He never keeps any money with him. His rational is that he leads a simple life and he works for the people and the country.

IKEA founder also lives humbly. Ingvar Kamprad, ranked 4th richest man in the world, drives a 15-year-old car and always flies economy class. Given his status, I bet he can own a few more newer cars. He also dines in low budget restaurants. How about Wipro chairman, Azim Premji? He drives a Toyota Corrola. He flies by economy class and uses company guest houses rather than hotels . We all know Warren Buffett, one of the smartest wealthiest investor in our time. When the Omaha of Oracle speaks, we listen. He has been staying in the same house in the central Dundee neighborhood of Omaha, Nebraska that he bought in 1958.

Lets take a look at Manmohan Singh's house. Who is he? India's current Prime Minister. When I was in India a few months back, I read in the papers he is just renting a small flat close to the office. Did some research. He actually owns a small flat inside a triple-storey building, nestled on a small hillock in Sarumataria, near Dispur. But if you look at the picture its kinda unkept if you know what I mean.

Closer to home, we have Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat, the Chief Minister of Kelantan.Known for his frugality, heard that he doesnt stay in the official Menteri Besar home. Instead he stays in his current residential home.

If leaders of today or our would be leaders of tomorrow in Malaysia has that mental aptitude to do so, then we are half way there to solve the many ills we're facing today.