By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Jan 13: There is no utopia but challenges in the political journey which will not be overcome if one is bogged down by “obsession”.
This is Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari’s political philosophy where he explained that not only was there no utopia, but there would also be unknown factors and risks.
“Along the way there are bound to be challenges. But that is the risk you have to take. Once there are challenges, then you have to manage the challenges properly,” said Abang Johari at a meet-the-media session held in conjunction with his third anniversary as chief minister recently.
He was asked by the media of the challenges which he encountered for the last three years as chief minister in the implementation of his policies especially the 81 initiatives to bring forth a new Sarawak.
In dealing with challenges, he said one must have confidence and good intention but must be aware of one’s own “obsession”, otherwise one would not be able to control themselves.
“You are too obsessed. ‘I want to get this, I must get this’. Yes, (should that be the case) along the way you will have problems, fighting, and you will have problems,” said Abang Johari.
Citing his own experience, he said his first challenge was in 1987 when Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) was divided into two factions due to leadership struggle.
Abang Johari believed that Sarawak under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has ensured political stability which is one of the ingredients to bring Sarawak forward.
He said other GPS component parties shared the same vision and he speculated that all component parties might eventually become one.
“Our partners are doing the same thing. Because eventually, we will be under one. Eventually, with GPS,” said Abang Johari. —DayakDaily
