Political history shows no party is invincible if it loses touch with people

Tiong addressing the GPS Convention 2026 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on April 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 19: Political history has repeatedly shown that no party remains invincible if it loses touch with the people it represents, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing cautioned today.

Delivering his speech at the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Tiong urged delegates to reflect on political shifts in Peninsular Malaysia, where once-dominant parties lost power after becoming detached from their grassroots and public trust.

“This is a reminder to all of us. Power is not permanent. Let us reflect and learn from history, and ensure that we do not repeat the same mistakes,” he said.

He said the lesson serves as a timely reminder for all political coalitions, including GPS, as they prepare for future elections.

“As we move forward, including in preparation for the upcoming elections, the most important thing is to ensure that the people continue to have confidence in us,” he said.

Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman and Bintulu MP, stressed that public confidence in GPS is anchored on its track record of stability, unity, and its consistent priority of safeguarding Sarawak’s interests.

“Confidence that GPS is a stable, united coalition that puts Sarawak’s interests first. This confidence comes from what we have done and how we continue to conduct ourselves moving forward,” he said.

He called on all GPS component parties to continue strengthening the coalition’s foundation, built on mutual respect and cooperation.

“Let us continue to strengthen the foundation that we have built. We must uphold the values of mutual respect,” he said.

Tiong also emphasised the importance of consensus-based leadership and genuine power sharing among GPS components, saying each party must continue to play a meaningful role in the coalition.

“We continue the spirit of consensus, mutual respect, and genuine power sharing. And we ensure that every component within GPS continues to play a meaningful role,” he said.
He added that GPS’s strength lies in unity rather than individual ambition.

“Because our strength… is a shared strength,” he said.

Tiong warned that GPS would not be weakened by opposition parties, but could be undermined if internal unity is eroded.

“GPS will not fall because of the opposition, but GPS will fall if we weaken ourselves and become greedy for power,” he said.

Expressing confidence in GPS’s continued political dominance in Sarawak, he said the coalition would remain the people’s preferred choice under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“With this spirit, I am confident that GPS will continue to remain the people’s preferred choice in Sarawak, not only today, but for all time under the leadership of YAB Abang Jo,” he said. — DayakDaily