Democratic left-wing congressman Zohran Mamdani has broken multiple historical records by being elected mayor of New York City,  United States.

He is not only the first Muslim mayor in New York’s history but also the youngest in a century.

 Moreover, he is the first candidate since 1969 to win over one million votes and is expected to secure more than 50% of the total vote share.

How did a far-left American politician—who is also a staunch critic of Israel—win in a city full of millionaires and with a large Jewish population?

Many factors contributed to his success, but one particular gesture deeply moved New Yorkers.

 It’s a gesture worth every politician’s attention.

In fact, this “gesture” is not a secret weapon.

The key lies in whether politicians are willing to humble themselves and do it.

As The New York Times once described it, Mamdani possesses “a rare gift for listening.”

When interviewed, Mamdani often demonstrates unusual thoughtfulness—pausing for over twenty seconds before answering questions, taking time to reflect carefully.

His responses are calm and measured, showing respect for both the question and the discussion.

After winning the primary round, he proactively reached out to nearly every business and cultural leader in the city he could contact, sincerely listening to why they opposed him.

 This showed an extraordinary willingness to learn and to be inclusive.

His campaign videos, which went viral and helped him gain fame, authentically recorded him walking the streets of New York, actively asking citizens questions, and patiently listening to their answers—never interrupting, never brushing anyone off.

This simple but sincere act struck a chord with many.

 Voters saw in him not just someone who “represents them,” but someone who genuinely “reaches out to them.”

Mamdani’s sincerity in listening aligns with what many philosophers call the deliberative theory of democracy—the belief that the core mechanism of democracy is not merely voting but dialogue and discussion.

True democracy is not just casting a vote; it’s the ongoing exchange of differing opinions and rational debate that shape that final choice.

Voting is only the outcome—dialogue and discussion are the process that create it.

As a respectful and inclusive political style, “deliberative democracy” allows citizens to feel truly heard while breaking the stereotype that politicians are self-serving and manipulative.

Through deeper, more genuine engagement, political leaders can better understand public needs and build mutual trust.

This kind of deliberative political communication helps enhance both political legitimacy and public trust.

When voters believe their opinions are genuinely valued—rather than ignored or manipulated—the overall confidence in the political system grows significantly.

Mamdani possesses a rare talent for listening—a quality that is both fundamental and too often neglected by politicians.

 As for Malaysian politicians, one must wonder: do most of them have this gift? Likely not.

But even without natural talent, one can still choose humility—join the people, listen sincerely to their voices.

 The worst thing is not failing to understand, but refusing to listen.

 Ignoring the people’s voices and neglecting their concerns will only cause leaders to lose touch with reality and lose their way.

Moreover, Mamdani’s victory shows that radicalism and thoughtfulness can coexist—especially under New York’s electoral system.

Despite various pressures, Mamdani remained true to his ideals. He reached out to groups that were skeptical or even hostile toward him, listened to their opinions, expressed goodwill, and stressed clearly that he aims to be a truly inclusive mayor.

The word “inclusive” is hardly new—many local politicians also like to call themselves “inclusive leaders.”

Yet, in practice, there remains a considerable gap between them and Mamdani.

Although Mamdani’s governance abilities and ability to fulfill promises have yet to be tested, at the very least, he has already won at the starting line.

Rather than practicing inclusiveness, many local political leaders are busy packaging it—using slogans, promises, and surface-level gestures to project an ideal image.

 Once that facade is peeled away, what’s revealed is emptiness and wavering principles.

Take for example, the “alcohol ban” issue.

 They know well that alcohol, among Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities, is not merely a drink—it’s part of health practices, rituals, and festivals.

 Yet, when confronted by Islamic conservative forces, they remain silent, or worse, follow the tide, allowing policy to slide toward a single-value direction.

So where is this “inclusiveness” they claim?

 If “inclusiveness” merely means pleasing someone and compromise with power, then it is not true inclusiveness.

Many Malaysian politicians who have gone from opposition to power once made lofty promises.

 But once inside the corridors of power, they discovered that governing a country is not child’s play.

 Some who once sat in government, failed to meet voters’ expectations and lost power, now repeat the same tricks—turning accountability and checks and balances into meaningless rituals.

Malaysians have long grown weary of political leaders who repeatedly compromise and constantly find excuses for betraying their principles.

 Power is important, yes—but it should never be the ultimate goal of politics.

True power is a means—to build a fairer society and improve people’s lives.

 When politicians lose their original purpose of serving the people, then even if they hold office, their authority is nothing but an empty shell.

(Anthony Chong Lip Teck is Newswire Leader Writer.)