But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you’ve got to compromise. You’ve got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward.
— Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State
“It’s better to die upon your feet than to live upon your knees” was a quote from a famous Mexican revolution leader, Emiliano Zapata. This quote was a favourite of late Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
I like to think it was with this rallying spirit and the larger-than-life figure of Masing that carried Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) – the party he co-founded and was president of – all the way, to be a mainstay in the state’s politics and make up a portion of the state government.
Arguably, it was his type of politics, embodied by PRS and the way he carried himself as a no-nonsense statesman, which endeared himself and the party to their supporters.
When the unthinkable happened due to his demise just before the Sarawak state election, all of a sudden, PRS – in the eyes of critics seemed to run on fumes.
This however, couldn’t be further than the truth with a solid showing in the Sarawak polls, where it kept all eleven of its seats. Joseph Salang Gandum, the then deputy president of PRS, found himself in the position of acting skipper. The former four-term Julau MP did not have a seat for him to contest in the Sarawak polls.
Masing’s old seat in the Baleh constituency which he represented for eight consecutive terms went to his nephew, Nicholas Kudi, who retained it for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“No, there is no seat for me,” Salang said when asked by the media if he would contest in the state election.
“However, if they (GPS) give me a seat, only then I can contest. Otherwise, I will not contest,” he said.
Such was his loyalty to the party which he, at the moment, was in control of, and also the ruling coalition which PRS is a part of.
I still remember trying to interview Salang on the sidelines following the announcement of the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.
Only days after Masing’s passing, there he was, representing PRS at a press conference by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to announce the august House’s dissolution.
Still reeling over losing a comrade, he did not seem to be pumped-up by the prospect of a state election nor did he appear to look forward to occupy Masing’s old post.
In his mind, probably, was to hold the fort and steer the ship long enough for PRS to deliver a respectable showing in the state polls – which he did.
Four months after the state polls, PRS was set to hold an election at the party’s Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) today (April 23).
The stage was set for the party presidency to be up for grabs and by virtue, it also meant many other posts were set to be contested.
PRS vice-president and Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai had previously declared that he was eyeing the party president’s post, alluding to request of PRS grassroots leaders and several elected representatives.
Mere days before the TDC was set to commence, the party’s supreme council agreed on a consensus line-up, with Salang named as president.
Sikie, who previously submitted his nomination paper to contest for the party presidency, decided not to proceed with the challenge.
PRS Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who himself retained his post after challenger, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon withdrew his candidacy, said Salang would take over the presidency for a three-year term.
This was the right call. PRS, with the general election likely around the corner given the political situation nationwide could not afford to plunge itself into a leadership crisis.
Salang, who had overseen a successful defence of all 11 of the party’s seats in the last state election, should be given the chance to lead PRS and mount a serious challenge in the parliamentary elections.
His next task is to ensure victory in the six PRS parliamentary seats – retaining Kanowit and Hulu Rajang while recapturing Selangau, Julau, Lubok Antu and Sri Aman.
Given the overwhelming support for PRS and GPS in the last state polls, this wouldn’t be too far-fetched.
In Masing’s absence and Salang at the helm, it is about time PRS moved on. It is only onwards and upwards from here.
