KUCHING: A dedicated political school or leadership academy could help Sarawak systematically groom future leaders and ensure smooth leadership succession.
Director of the Centre for Malay Excellence Studies (PKKM), Academy of Malay Studies at Universiti Malaya, Datuk Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi, said leadership transition should be seen as a process of continuity and transformation rather than a crisis.
He said succession planning would become easier if capable young talents were identified and nurtured through a structured platform from an early stage.
“There are many young people who are more knowledgeable, more skilled and have the qualities to become good leaders.
“The important thing is to give them the opportunity and prepare them through proper training,” he said.
He said this during the political talk titled ‘Leadership Empowerment Plan: Challenges and Aspirations’ at the Sarawak Malay Graduates Convention 2026 (KGM 2.0) at Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Batu Lintang Campus here today (June 11).
Awang Azman said several political organisations have established their own leadership academies and schools to systematically develop future leaders.
He pointed to initiatives such as dedicated leadership academies and structured training modules that equip participants with knowledge and practical skills in leadership and governance.
“But it should be a proper political school that is relevant to the needs of our community,” he added.
At the same time, he said leadership development requires openness from existing leaders to mentor and guide younger talents.
He said that relying on the same strategies while expecting extraordinary results would not bring about the changes needed to address future challenges.
“Leadership requires a big-hearted approach to open up opportunities for the next generation.
“We need to continuously groom and prepare new talents so that leadership transition becomes a natural process of continuity,” he said.
