A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.
– Lao Tzu, philosopher and writer
Datuk Sebastian Ting meant well when he reminded his colleagues in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) of how powerful governments were toppled not because the enemy was strong but due to internal strife among those in power.
His word of caution on the importance of maintaining stability and not create unnecessary disruptions internally was timely indeed.
In his statement on May 25, the SUPP secretary-general said that “his party would like to remind all our friends in GPS that in politics, maintaining stability and avoiding controversial or drastic changes that could disrupt the current order is paramount”.
“It is SUPP’s contention that political stability must also be nurtured for it is essential for a functioning society, and significant changes or challenges to the status quo can lead to uncertainty and conflict,” Ting added.
Earlier, the SUPP leader expressed his support for PBB vice-president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah’s statement that GPS has the final decision on seat allocations for component parties.
Abdul Karim’s take on the issue of “no more traditional seats” brought up by PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is most sensible and logical and should be supported by all in GPS and its allies, Ting said.
Tiong had since clarified that his remarks on the issue were taken out of context by the media, so much so that it has sparked a controversy.
Whatever it might be, the PDP chief has the right to make proposals and suggestions while leaders of other GPS component parties have similar right to respond, and to agree or disagree. This is only fair game in politics.
At the end of the day, the GPS supreme council will have the final say and it is this collective decision which counts, not an individual’s call.
I’m glad that Ting has stressed on political stability and cautioned on the repercussions and dangers of internal bickering. SUPP has had its share of party crises and Ting, as a long-time party member and senior leader today, has seen them all.
In fact, we don’t have to look far for examples of how powerful governments were toppled due to internal problems. We have one right at home.
I’m sure Ting and his party colleagues have not forgotten how Barisan Nasional, led by the mighty and invincible Umno, was not only defeated but soundly thrashed in the 2018 general election.
It was after the 14th general election that year that the Sarawak BN parties decided to leave BN and establish their own coalition, that is GPS today.
Six years in, GPS has performed well in subsequent elections and today, the coalition in considered a vital cog in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has also earned the respect of federal leaders for his dynamic and astute leadership. It is well known too that Abang Johari and Anwar have a close working relationship and this is a big plus in the smooth and speedy implementation of programmes and projects for the benefit of the people.
Back to Ting’s word of caution, it must be emphasised that internal strife among political allies can have negative consequences, which can undermine both the short-term effectiveness and long-term stability of their collective efforts.
Political alliances, and GPS is one, rely on a shared vision and cooperative effort. Internal conflicts disrupt this unity, making it difficult to present a cohesive front.
This lack of cohesion can dilute their collective power and effectiveness, as the SUPP secretary-general has stressed in his statement, and added that visible infighting can erode public trust and confidence in the alliance, leading to a loss of support and credibility.
Ting also declared his party’s belief “that it is vital for all GPS component parties to avoid bringing up irrelevant, negative issues bordering on narrow, self-serving interests that could sow discomfort and discord among us”.
“We should focus on serving and attending to the needs of Sarawakians, whom we have pledged to serve, instead of worrying and debating over which party get the most seats,” he added.
Well said and articulated, Sebastian Ting. I hope your colleagues take serious note of your timely reminder.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
