SOMEWHERE across the sea, there is a group of people sitting in their posh editorial office feeling mighty pleased with themselves.
How could they not? They have just executed a hatchet job on the people of Sarawak.
An article alleging that there is a rift between Sarawak’s top leaders made waves this week, proudly published by this three-letter acronym publication.
The intent is very clear, that is to divide the people of Sarawak, starting with the top leaders in the government. It is probably the oldest trick in the book, divide and conquer.
But, maybe it’s different this time. Maybe there is something that the people of Sarawak can do with these poison pen articles and those behind them.
Because they don’t seem to end. I don’t know what’s worse; is it the fact that the attacks keep coming or the amateurish attempts at provocation that bother me?
It seems that these hidden hands have probably run out of ideas and are resorting to recycled tactics, the same tired stories, the same baseless rumours and accusations.
They hope that by repeating their falsehoods often enough, Sarawakians will start to believe them. As the saying goes, “A lie repeated often enough becomes the truth.”
But Sarawakians are not so easily fooled.
Shoddy reporting
The problem with their reporting is that not only is the article malicious in its content but is quoting suspicious sources and did not get its facts right on many instances.
Who is this “source”? Is it well-placed or did they have to search high and low for someone willing to say anything? Even if it is untrue or pure fabrication?
Because fabrication is what it reads to many others who are well-connected and in the inner circles of Sarawak politics. It is laughable as to how from left field this article strikes them.
As the locals would say, “no wind, no storm”. However, there is nothing at all to indicate any rifts taking place; if anything, unity is as solid as ever for the people at the top of the government.
Probably journalism classes or workshops are needed for those working on the article because it seems like there is lack of grasp as to the basics of journalism.
I remember in my reporting days, for this type of work, a pat on the back would be the last thing I would expect. Instead, I would be lucky to not get a ticking off from my superiors or a gentle slap round the head.
That speaks to the quality of the article in question and probably, to an extent, the quality of journalism being practised.
Not the first time
As you would have guessed, articles of this nature – the ones written by unnamed authors – are no strangers to Sarawak. In the past months and years, we are seeing them more often.
A question that is worth asking – what do these people have against Sarawak?
During the oil and gas saga between the state and national oil company, these types of damaging articles were regularly featured, not just by this publication but also others based in Malaya.
Is it their modus operandi to somewhat demean Sarawak when their Malayan towkays didn’t get their way? The pattern is there to see. Or could it just be a convenient coincidence? I really don’t know.
There was even one instance when a writer wanted to be famous overnight by picking a fight with the Sarawak Premier, claiming the latter’s success was only due to good fortune.
Of course, the people of Sarawak didn’t see it that way. We have seen how committed the Premier has been in transforming Sarawak and our success story was not written overnight. This is a well-understood fact.
But facts are not what these usual suspects are interested in. Instead, they would prefer fiction and narratives to muddy the waters and to downplay Sarawak’s achievements.
Nothing but jealousy
Envy is what I would describe as to the motive of these hatchet jobs. And to be fair, there are many reasons why.
Currently, Sarawak is among the most economically developed regions in Malaysia, and politically, it is the most stable.
And perhaps that’s exactly what unsettles them – that Sarawak is no longer looking to the Peninsula for approval or validation.
While others are caught in endless political manoeuvring, we are moving forward. Quietly. Steadily. Purposefully.
Our development agenda is clear, our institutions are stable, and our leadership has remained focused on long-term outcomes, not short-term headlines.
It must be frustrating for those who are used to being the centre of attention to see Sarawak commanding respect on its own terms.
Not empty cans
The power base is shifting, and it doesn’t take an analyst to see it. The influence that Sarawak has on the economy and Malaysia’s politics is growing.
That’s what progress looks like and it makes some people uncomfortable. They’re used to calling the shots, used to being in control. But now, Sarawak has a bigger say, not because we begged for it, but because we earned it.
And that’s the part they can’t accept.
So, they write articles, throw shade and try to stir trouble. Hoping we’ll take the bait. Hoping to create cracks where none exist.
Let us call them what they are: desperate attempts to destabilise what they cannot control, to divide what they cannot influence.
But it won’t work.
Because Sarawakians are wiser now. We’ve seen this playbook before. We know what’s at stake.
Let them write their articles. We’ll keep writing our future.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at nazmixsuhaimi@gmail.com.
