“Anyone can be a gracious winner; but being gracious after losing shows strength of character.”
– Donald Lynn Frost, American banker
IN this article, I will attempt to pick up the pieces of the just-concluded 17th Sabah election.
Do not expect anything weighty – just the post-poll nitty-gritty that shouldn’t trouble us too much. It is simply a look at the smaller details and lingering observations that emerge once the frenzy of campaigning has faded.
Yes, folks, the election is over, and the right thing to do now is for everyone to move on.
All of us, whether we are Sabahans directly involved in the election or observers outside the Borneo territory, must accept the verdict of the voters. They have spoken and chosen the candidates they want to represent them in the state legislature.
The responsible course for all parties is to move forward, to reflect, learn, and focus on the work of governing. With the electorate having spoken clearly at the polls, the mandate now rests firmly in the hands of those chosen to serve.
It is disappointing, though not entirely surprising, that some politicians still struggle to accept defeat with grace. Unfortunately, this tendency was on display once again in this Sabah election.
I recently came across a post online, presumably written by a member of an opposition party that suffered a severe drubbing at the polls, listing a series of excuses to explain why voters of a particular community supposedly did not reject them.
This would be amusing if it weren’t so unnecessary, especially when the party’s own top leaders have already conceded defeat and acknowledged the voters’ decision.
Really, it’s time to move on. Elections come and go; victories and losses are part of the game. If you lost this round, take it in stride, return to the ground, and work harder to regain the people’s trust. There will always be another election.
Let me share a personal experience. More than two decades ago, I too faced defeat in two electoral contests. I accepted the results with grace and offered my congratulations to the opponents who had earned the voters’ trust.
I conceded because the numbers made it clear I had not secured enough support. The majority in the constituency preferred someone else to represent them, and that is the simple reality of democracy.
Politics, after all, is only one chapter of life; it is not the whole story. I learned that there is indeed life after politics.
So, to those who fell short this time, take the loss in stride. Embrace it with dignity, accept the people’s verdict, and move on. There is always another path forward.
I think it is also important to put into perspective that there are legitimate reasons why losing candidates may challenge election results.
For example, candidates who lost by very slim margins have every right to bring their cases before the Election Court if they suspect discrepancies in the electoral process. This is a legitimate and established avenue, and there have been instances where such challenges have succeeded.
That said, taking legal action should never be done frivolously. An election is a serious undertaking, and any contestation must be backed by genuine concerns, not emotion or speculation.
I believe I should clarify that seeking legal redress should not be mistaken for being ungracious in defeat, as it is an entirely different matter rooted in due process and the pursuit of electoral integrity. So let’s take note of the distinction.
Another post-election issue that has surfaced is the complaint about the new Sabah Cabinet lacking a Chinese minister.
To me, this reaction was entirely expected, given how discussions on racial representation tend to arise after every election, even when they feel unnecessary or irrelevant in the broader scheme of governance.
At the time of writing (Tuesday, 2 December), when no Chinese representative has yet been appointed to the new Cabinet, I wish to set out clearly why I do not believe a Chinese minister is either necessary or crucial.
Speaking as a Chinese person myself, what matters far more to me is not the race of the minister, but the quality of their service. If ministers of other communities are competent, hardworking, efficient, and most importantly, clean and incorruptible, I am perfectly content to have them represent me in government.
After all, what is the point of having a Chinese minister if he is greedy, self-serving, or corrupt? Such a figure would bring no pride to me or the Chinese community – only shame.
I have this message for my fellow Chinese (and for others who share a similar view): it is time we step outside the habitual racial lens through which politics is too often viewed. Politics must evolve, and so must we as citizens.
Whether we like the election results or not is secondary. I am also not entirely satisfied with the outcome, but that is not what matters.
What truly matters is respecting the will of Sabahans and supporting the new government to ensure stability and integrity in the beautiful Land Below the Wind. That is paramount.
● Francis Paul Siah is a veteran Sarawak editor and currently heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
