KUCHING: Leaders in Sarawak should shift their mindset for the better and be mindful of the experience of Barisan Nasional (BN).
“Do not think we cannot fall,” Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said, reminding that BN which ruled for six decades had fallen in the blink of an eye due to its weaknesses and not looking into the people’s problems and needs.
He was speaking at the inaugural Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention here, yesterday.
“A large party cannot simply assume that it will be strong forever.”
He said GE14 was living evidence that a dominant party could lose its power and be overtaken overnight.
Tiong said GPS as a new coalition had to prove to the people that they were the shield for Sarawakians.
“It is hoped that GPS will implement the culture of consensus, power-sharing and mutual respect in ruling Sarawak.
“Please do not be a coalition that kills among ourselves just because of greed for power,” he said.
He added that Sarawak has migrated to a new political platform, and the question was the extent to which individuals under GPS had really changed.
“Are they still holding on to the mentality and work culture of before?” he asked.
Tiong stressed that leaders must first know how to lead themselves before trying to lead others.
He said there were some leaders in Sarawak who still remained ‘complacent and comfortable’ with their roles and responsibilities.
Stressing that changing the mindset was the key to success, regardless of party size, he said, “The bottom line is people want to see our sincerity in serving them. We must be proactive and not only be defensive in administering the state and handling political issues but we must also be daring enough to fight our opponents and ensure victory after going to battle.”
Tiong also encouraged Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to be open to views and advice from trusted sources, considering him to be a person who studied matters thoroughly before believing it.
