By Naim Syah
THE definition of tyranny is not as straightforward as it seems.
Oxford defines it as the unfair or cruel use of power or authority. Merriam-Webster goes further, describing it as oppressive power.
In other words, tyranny is what happens when power forgets its purpose: when those entrusted to lead choose instead to dominate; when institutions serve the powerful, not the people.
The complexities widen further when it comes to managing a federation. The dilemma lies in whether to have a strong central government at the expense of the states.
It becomes even more complex when we consider the political dynamics in which the central government is weakened and bruised, while the states remain as solid as ever.
Take Sarawak and Putrajaya as an example – there is no question who is more politically stable and able to call the shots without anyone else second-guessing.
This stability is due to unity, as well as the sense of shared purpose that Sarawakians have, which sadly is not replicated in Malaya.
With unity and shared purpose, leadership thrives. And thrive Sarawak did. Under the leadership of the Premier, the success of our economic transformation, infrastructure development, and overall growth is undeniable.
I am not denying it; you are not denying it. Ask even the harshest of Sarawakian critics – they too are not denying it. But why is this fact so difficult for certain people outside of Sarawak to swallow? Mind you, I’m not referring to foreigners, but to Malaysians themselves.
This reaction is precisely what makes some recent commentary worth addressing. One article, for example, framed PETROS as a potential failure, drawing simplistic comparisons to Sarawak Cable. It’s worth taking a closer, more evidence-based look.
The biggest flaw in that article is the way it talks down to Sarawakians. That condescension is hard to take seriously. Sprinkle a bit of jargon, and it becomes “truth”, and sadly, that’s good enough for the gullible few.
Then comes the lazy comparison: Sarawak Cable equals PETROS failure. That is not analysis; it is sensationalism. Different industry, different business model, different regulatory environment, different leadership, different era entirely. Yet it is presented as equivalent – oversimplified and misleading.
Of course, PETROS, like any strategic institution, must remain alert. Financial discipline, strong governance, measurable outcomes, job creation, rising living standards, and environmental sustainability are essential.
But evaluating PETROS requires data, audited results, and tangible projects on the ground, not speculation or sentiment. You can’t simply accept perception as truth – you need facts and figures.
What is most revealing is how the article pretends to “warn” Sarawak’s leadership. As if Sarawak has not been charting its own successful path for the past seven years.
As if global recognition for our green economy shift is imaginary. As if our stability is an accident, not the product of unity and competent leadership. They wish they had our unity, stability, and competent leadership.
Some people simply cannot accept that Sarawak can succeed independently. That a state outside the Peninsula can outperform national averages, manage its own resources, and lead in green energy and governance.
Beyond speculation, the facts speak clearly. PETROS has grown to become the third-largest oil and gas producer in Malaysia, demonstrating that state-level control over resources is far from symbolic.
PETROS is also a key player in Sarawak’s green economy initiatives. It is expanding into carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, positioning Sarawak at the forefront of climate-conscious energy management.
Even global observers are taking notice. Sarawak’s green economy strategy, with PETROS as a critical component, is gaining international recognition and trust. This is evidence of sound planning and effective leadership.
But beyond these facts, the hatchet job itself is symptomatic. Articles like these reflect a deeper pattern.
Tyranny, as we have defined it, is what happens when power seeks to dominate and delegitimise those who challenge it.
The hidden hands behind these narratives, we believe, are outsiders. Sarawakians defending them and these litany of poison-pen articles are their lackeys, or, more crudely, “tali barut”.
If you are a Sarawakian, you would stand for Sarawak, would you not? Unless, of course, you have political motives in wanting Sarawak to fail because it would benefit you or your masters.
The objective of this hatchet job is clear: to look down on Sarawak, to discredit our institutions, and to undermine our progress.
This is an ongoing trend, and this unscrupulous group operates as if we don’t see what they are doing – taking Malaysians for a ride, and taking us, Sarawakians, for fools.
Why? Because Sarawak is getting stronger, more confident, and increasingly vocal about our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Sarawak’s assertion of autonomy and state rights is uncomfortable for those who wish to maintain central control, and the subtle attacks are part of a long-standing pattern of intimidation and misrepresentation.
They are uncomfortable with Sarawak holding all the cards and would rather see us be subservient to the system – or the status quo.
A good critique is healthy. Sarawakians welcome it. But what we do not welcome is the use of so-called analysis as a weapon.
PETROS, the engineers, and the planners deliver results quietly, effectively, and in full alignment with state priorities. This is real governance, not the fiction these hatchet jobs attempt to sell.
Since 2017, under the leadership of the Premier, Sarawak has not just survived scrutiny and scepticism; the state has thrived.
Not long ago, a certain Malayan politician said Sarawak would be bankrupt within three years. That was in 2019, during the early days of our double-digit State Budgets.
If that “wisdom” is any indication of their actual foresight, these poison-pen “insight” articles are not worth the space and time they occupy.
Development, stability, global recognition, and a strengthened voice in the federation are the observable results. Despite those who wish to rewrite the narrative, the record speaks for itself.
Tyranny seeks to delegitimise success, but Sarawak has proven that progress, when built on vision and collective effort, cannot be ignored or easily undermined.
We have faced doubt, ridicule, and misrepresentation from those who wish to see us diminished.
Yet time and again, we have proven that Sarawak can chart its own course, govern effectively, and achieve results that earn both national and global respect.
So, stand firm. Stand together. Let every Sarawakian remember that our unity is our shield, our purpose is our guide, and our resilience is our strength.
The future of Sarawak will be written not by outsiders, but by us, together.
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Disclaimer:
Naim Syah is a Sarawak Tribune reader. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Sarawak Tribune.
