“Nobody is indispensable. No one’s life depends on you; neither does your existence rely on someone’s presence.” – Jaishree Laxmikant, Indian author
ALTHOUGH my subject this week is triggered by political development, specifically in a certain party which held its internal polls recently, I also feel that it is more appropriate and correct to state that “no one is indispensable” rather than limiting it to “no politician is indispensable”.
I would say that my choice to reflect on the broader idea likely comes from a deeper recognition of shared human fragility which is a moral and philosophical truth that transcends any single profession or role.
Let me tackle the “no man is indispensable” part before I turn my attention to politicians.
Let’s face it. We are mere human mortals and we are all finite, limited and vulnerable. Regardless of power, influence, or talent, every person faces ageing, mistakes, fatigue and eventual mortality. This is something that applies not just to politicians, but to leaders, parents, teachers, pastors, doctors and even popes.
Yes, I’ve added “popes” to the list and as a Catholic, using the example of the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics in arguing my case makes perfect sense.
Many will recall how the late Pope Benedict XVI famously said that “the pope is not indispensable”.
He emphasised this idea when he resigned in 2013 – the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years. In his resignation statement, he acknowledged that his strength had diminished and that he no longer could fulfil the duties of the papacy adequately.
Here’s a paraphrased sentiment from him in a news report in 2013: “The Pope is not the Superman or an irreplaceable person, but someone who is also subject to human limitations.”
Now, allow me to respond to recent political developments in the country which prompted this discussion.
The first case is that of the Rafizi Ramli-Nurul Izzah Anwar contest for the PKR deputy presidency which was eventually won by Nurul.
Now, if Rafizi had thought that, as the incumbent deputy president, there should also be a no-contest for his post as was the president’s post, how wrong he was!
No, Rafizi, it’s clear that you are not the chosen heir of the PKR supremo, Anwar Ibrahim. The party’s key leaders have someone else in mind and it’s quite clear who the person is by now.
We cannot blame Rafizi for taking for granted that he would succeed Anwar as the PKR president in time to come. Why, Rafizi might even think he is indispensable given the immense sacrifices he had made for the party’s struggles.
No one can blame Rafizi as it is on record that he was one of the senior PKR leaders who had contributed a lot to the party.
As for Nurul Izzah, she is now considered fair game in PKR, save for the name she carries. Unfortunately, her “Puteri Reformasi” days are over. Nurul no longer commands the adulation and respect of a large cross-section of the party’s base. No, Nurul is not indispensable in PKR.
I have said it and let me repeat. Whichever way one looks at the Rafizi-Nurul Izzah contest, it was not a good idea at all!
Tengku Zafrul Aziz, the minister for investment, trade and industry, is the next personality worthy of mention in this discussion.
His departure from Umno and entry into PKR is a controversial move indeed.
A month ago, I wrote in this column that the sports fraternity welcomed him into their fold with open arms. On May 10, the corporate man turned rising political star was appointed the new president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for the 2025-2029 term.
Unlike the BAM appointment, not everyone is happy with his latest political move. His detractors have called him names, including the demeaning “political tourist” while his supporters said he would give “added value” to PKR, given his background and experience.
I have mentioned this in another column and I find it necessary to state here too that I don’t think it would do the nation any good if certain politicians are placed on a high pedestal of indispensability or invincibility.
At the moment, I don’t think there is any exceptional or extraordinary Malaysian politician deserving of the “statesman” status. None. There are no statesmen in Malaysia, as far as I’m concerned, only career politicians. Take that in with a pinch of salt, if you must.
If you ask me about the calculated move to force a by-election, be it for a Selangor state seat or parliamentary seat, for Zafrul to be an elected representative, I will brush it aside immediately as a very bad idea.
I don’t think Zafrul, or anyone else, is indispensable if I must repeat. Hey, what had the forced by-election several years ago in Port Dickson come to? I don’t think there was anything spectacular arising out of that by-election.
Finally, this was this sudden interest in the UUMNO discard, Khairy Jamaluddin, linked to the impending cabinet shuffle. I’m amazed at times at the frequency some media darlings have been projected as if they are indispensable in Malaysian politics.
Let me stress again – no, no one is indispensable, politicians included. Human greatness is temporary, and no individual is the ultimate source of success or stability.
DISCLAIMER:
Francis Paul Siah is a veteran Sarawak editor and currently heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). The views expressed here are his and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com
