‘It has been our stand to combine experienced leaders with new leaders so we can inject new ideas and plans. This will strengthen the party along with the new line-up of youth and women wings.
– Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, newly elected PDP deputy president.
LAST week, I had the opportunity to cover the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Triennial General Assembly (TGA) in Bintulu.
I must admit I was a bit nervous because it was my first time covering such an event on PDP, so I was unsure of what to expect.
To my surprise and also that of two colleagues, it was a very pleasant and inspiring experience as the party members, including their top leaders, were very welcoming and warm.
It was a sight to behold, seeing over 600 party members of various ethnicity and from different parts of the state converging for the TGA. There was a mixture of young and old who were participating as representatives and observers.
My colleagues and I spoke to a few young ones who were attending the TGA for the first time. It was inspiring to see how they were full of enthusiasm and passionate about the party and involvement in politics.
The outcome of the PDP TGA this year saw Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing retaining his presidency with Datuk Henry Harry Jinep unanimously elected as the party’s deputy president.
David Yeo was elected as the new youth chief and Angnes Jonep as the new women chief.
The TGA also witnessed Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil making a selfless decision by prioritising the interests of the party over his personal ambitions.
Despite numerous nominations from his supporters for him to become the party’s deputy president, Dr Penguang announced his withdrawal from the race as he took into consideration the party’s interest, unity and stability.
It was clear as day and admirable that PDP prioritized unity and harmony within the party.
In my opinion, this is something that needs to be highlighted because it is very commendable and showcased how party members upheld a gentleman’s temperament.
Gentleman politics is fast eroding in the current political landscape as toxicity seeps in where power is used as a means to an end.
Working in the media industry, it is common to see leaders throwing dirt at one another and sometimes resorting to below the belt attacks, that is character assassination, to vilify their foes and score brownie points.
If anything, it sets a bad example to budding politicians who may get the impression that this is how ‘politics’ is done, when in fact it is not and it should not.
Young leaders and young political observers are getting jaded and seem to distance themselves from this nature of toxic politics and this has to change.
We need to bring them into the fold and not keep them out. This is because in the realm of politics, the nurturing and grooming of the young generation is of paramount importance. The future of any nation depends on the vision, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives that young leaders bring to the table.
It is worth noting that a healthy mix of experienced leaders and new voices is essential for strengthening of any political party. Experienced leaders bring a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and a deep understanding of the political landscape, gained through the mill over years.
Their guidance and mentorship provide stability, institutional memory and strategic vision to the party.
On the other hand, new leaders inject fresh ideas, energy and a different perspective into the party’s discourse.
They often represent the evolving aspirations of the electorate and bring innovative approaches in addressing challenges.
As such, the synergy between experienced and new leaders cultivates a dynamic and balanced environment within the party thus fostering adaptability, resilience and the ability to connect with a diverse range of constituents.
Malaysia as a whole has been marred by bouts of political instability due to infighting and disunity among our leaders.
This is part and parcel of the challenge that lies ahead for the country.
PDP, a component of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), has exemplified how Sarawak politics can inject a sense of sanity to the nation – a culture of “give and take” which is sorely lacking thus far.
In terms of prominence, the party has been seen as a loyal companion to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and has its own charms through its values and convictions.
It is definitely one to watch.
