Sdr Chow Kon Yeow shared his thoughts in Kwong Wah Yit Poh:
Recently I was reminded that my identity now is Penang Chief Minister more than Chow Kon Yeow. Whenever there is a decision to be made by me, it will become a decision of the State government.
Often I find that I am expected to make a final decision in a meeting after a matter has been deliberated. Others may make various suggestions or recommendations but it is the Chief Minister who has to call .the shot.
Similarly whenever I am in a public realm or attending a function, I find that the Chief Minister’s identity has almost completely overwhelmed my personal identity.
It is like Chow Kon Yeow does not matter anymore. It is the Penang Chief Minister that people are concerned about.
Probably due to this perception, public figures can easily fall victim to the illusion that one is being worshipped because of the power and position he or she has.
You will be given special treatment and attention simply because you are a position in high office. When you speak, people will listen and you feel you are at the top of the world.
When you are in such a position for a long time, the question is who is the real you?
How do I manage this issue? I think I have shared my thoughts on this issue many times. Keep the balance right, you will not be Penang Chief Minister forever but you will forever be Chow Kon Yeow.
It is too simplistic to compartmentise yourself according to public expectation. After so many years in this “business”, many public figures have perfected the art of fitting themselves according to the ocassions.
I hope to be Chow Kon Yeow, the Penang Chief Minister as ultimately it is you and your inner characters that will determine how well you do your job.
However the insight and experience that you gained from being a public servant would hopefully make you a better and empathatic person.
I believe my personal characters and convictions have very much influence on how I carried myself in the current position, low-profiled, well-rooted and realistic.
I am comforted by the fact that behind the scene many are supporting me in prayers and sharing their expertise with me to enable me to perform better as Chief Minister. They see me as Chow Kon Yeow first but also wanted me to do well as Chief Minister.
I can also seek support and understanding from my wife, children and family members and closed friends who accept me for who I am, Chow Kon Yeow who is given the responsibility as a Chief Minister.
从曹观友到槟首长
最近有人提醒我，我现在的身份是槟州首席部长，更甚于曹观友。 每当我做出决定时，它都将成为州政府的决定。
我发现，在经过一连串的商议后，人们会期望我在会议里做出最终决定。 其他人或许会提出各种建议或意见，惟首席部长须做出最后定夺。
同样的，每当我在公共场合或出席活动时，我发现首席部长的身份几乎完全掩盖了我的个人身份。
这就好像是曹观友已不再重要。人们关心的只是槟州首席部长。
或许由于这种看法，公众人物很容易成为此类错觉的受害者，人们会认为他或她是因为其所拥有的权力和地位而被其他人所崇拜。
你会因为身居高职，而获得特殊待遇和关注。当你说话时，人们会倾听你的谈话内容，让你觉得自己正处于世界之巅。
当你长时间处于这样的一个位置时，谁才是真实的你？
我如何处理这问题？我想，我已多次针对此问题分享我的看法。你需要保持平衡，你不会永远都是槟州首席部长，但你永远都会是曹观友。
根据公众期望，将自己从本我中分化出来是件简单的事。在这“行业”沉浸多年后，许多公众人物已经可以很好的，将自己融入到各种场合中。
我希望成为槟州首席部长曹观友。这是因为，你和你的内在品格最终将决定你的工作表现。
而作为公务员所获得的洞察力和经验，则有望让你成为一位更优秀及为他人着想的人。
我相信，我的个人品质和信念很大程度上影响着我如何将自己置于当前位置，低调、务实。
我很欣慰很多人默默的为我祈祷表示支持，并与我分享他们的专业知识，使我能够更好的履行首席部长的职务。他们先将我视为曹观友，但也希望我能做好首席部长的工作。
我也很感谢我的妻子、孩子、家人以及好友们对我的支持和谅解，他们接受我，只因为我是曹观友。对他们而言，我只是被赋予首席部长的责任而已。
文稿来自曹同志脸子书更新： https://www.facebook.com/ChowKonYeow/posts/10157417534789169
文稿在光华日报： https://is.gd/J906Uk