‘The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.’
– Jimmy Carter, 39th US President
It was a toss-up between Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump as the subject of my column this week.
I decided on Carter because Trump will be around in the White House for the next four years and there will be many topics to pen about his incoming administration in his second term as US president.
More importantly, Carter’s humility and simplicity is a story that must be told. His post-presidency has often been described as one of the most impactful in American history, reflecting his deep-seated values of compassion, integrity and simplicity.
The 39th President of the United States is widely admired for his humility and commitment to a simple, principled life. Even after leaving the White House, he dedicated himself to humanitarian work, including fighting diseases, building homes through Habitat for Humanity, and promoting democracy and human rights.
Carter’s decision to live modestly in Plains, Georgia, and his focus on service over personal wealth or prestige, underscore his humility.
What an exemplary human being! After viewing a video of the late president who died on 29 December 2024, I decided to share this message which I posted on Facebook a week ago.
In my post titled, “Politicians everywhere should learn to live by Jimmy Carter’s values and priorities”, I wrote: “Jimmy Carter – If only, if only those in politics were and are as humble, caring and responsible as him.
“I have been watching several videos of Carter’s memorial services and those about his life and I find this video titled, ‘This Is How Much Money Jimmy Carter Left Behind’ the best of them all. I am deeply touched and wish to pen a few lines in his honour.
“Carter’s life is a remarkable testament to the power of humility and service. Though he served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, his legacy extends far beyond his presidency. Known as the “poorest” US president in modern history, Carter deliberately prioritised values over wealth or power.
“Living to 100 is a milestone few achieve, and Carter’s century-long life was marked by a quiet determination to make the world better – not for personal gain, but because it was the right thing to do”.
“His enduring legacy is a reminder that a well-lived life is rooted in service, empathy and humility.
“To our politicians, please know that if you live by Carter’s priorities and values, you don’t need to build a mansion for a home, fly first class, dine in a 5-star establishment or have 10 servants/maids to leave a legacy for others to record for posterity.
“Jimmy Carter had none of that but his legacy is one history will record and which people will respect and cherish for all eternity. RIP President Jimmy Carter. “
I do not have the luxury of space here to do justice by writing about the achievements and failures of the Carter Administration. That will take more than a column in a newspaper to do so.
What I honestly want to do is to send a message to our politicians to learn from the “poorest US president” what holding political power really means and that is to do good and help the nation and people progress and prosper.
As the US president, Carter was the most powerful man in the world and could have all he wanted but chose to live a simple and quiet life. Meanwhile, Malaysians have been greatly embarrassed by a political leader who was involved in the world’s biggest kleptocracy case.
Indeed, politicians everywhere, particularly the self-serving and corrupt ones, should learn valuable lessons in ethical governance and public service from the late US president. Carter stands as a profound example of integrity, humility and moral leadership.
Carter prioritised honesty, even when it wasn’t politically advantageous. He refused to manipulate public perception for political gain and faced challenges head-on. Politicians known for self-serving behaviour could learn the value of trustworthiness and openness from his example.
Carter avoided personal enrichment during his office, unlike many who use political power for personal gain. After returning to his simple life in Plains, Georgia, he showed that public service should prioritise serving the people over accumulating wealth.
His human rights advocacy and environmental conservation efforts laid the groundwork for future generations. These actions underline the importance of prioritising the public good over personal or political expediency.
While his presidency faced criticism for its lack of political manoeuvring, he remained scandal-free, proving that ethical governance is possible.
Jimmy Carter’s example reminds us that leadership isn’t about personal gain or power. For those driven by greed or corruption, his story is a humbling counterpoint, demonstrating that true greatness lies in selflessness, integrity and a commitment to others.
Jimmy Carter lived a fulfilling life guided by his strong faith and principles. May God bless his kindred soul.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
