By Karen Bong
SIBU, Oct 20: ‘When you drink water, think of its source’.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Masing shared this Chinese proverb as a reminder for party members who have received state titles.
He congratulated PRS Supreme Council members Dato Philimon Nuing and deputy secretary-general Dato Janang Bungsu for being awarded a Datoship in conjunction with the Head of State Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud’s 82nd birthday recently.
Datukship, other awards, positions in the government, including in the Board of Directors in government-linked companies (GLC) and as political secretaries, he said, were given so that these capable individuals could assist the party to better serve the community.
“A good leader is like a climber who has reached the summit. Instead of pushing other climbers down in order to stop them from reaching the top, he extended a helping hand to pull others to reach the top so that together they could place everyone people in respectable positions.”
Masing, who is also a deputy chief minister, highlighted this during his presidential address at PRS’ Extraordinary Delegates Conference (EDC) here today.
However, Masing observed that positions of authority were like a double edge sword that can cut both ways.
“Pangkat baka pintu, or swing doors, tau muka ke mua, tau ga mangka ari belakang,” he said in Iban, referring to those with desires to move upward had along the way used the sword to cut their leaders who had assisted them.
Masing had since 2004 assisted many PRS leaders in getting state titles in recognition for their good works, including Datuk Joseph Entulu, Datuk Mong Dagang, Datuk William Nyalau, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Datuk Liwan Lagang, Datuk Wilfred Nissom and Datuk Joseph Salang.
“If they cut only me, I can take it and forgive, but if it hurts the very organisation whose support had paved the way for them to move forward, that I cannot forget nor forgive.”
He stressed that loyalty to the party and its objectives were criteria of paramount importance to him.
“Whatever awards you have been given, please accept them with the knowledge that your works for the community and Sarawak are duly recognised by the TYT. And it is my hope that you will continue your good works in the years ahead.” — DayakDaily
