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Jayum said the pattern was not new, noting earlier colonial-era scholars had described Iban political behaviour as inclined towards “retribution and factionalism”.
KUCHING (March 5): A long-observed tendency for vindictive politics among some Iban leaders continues to haunt the community’s political trajectory, said political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan.
The Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia said the pattern was not new, noting earlier colonial-era scholars had described Iban political behaviour as inclined towards “retribution and factionalism”.
“An expatriate scholar from Australia once characterised Iban politicians as vindictive. While that may sound harsh, developments over the years suggest there is some truth to the observation,” he said in a commentary yesterday.
The Institute of Borneo Studies adjunct professor said such tendencies have contributed to the erosion of Iban political dominance in Sarawak and played a role in the fragmentation of several Dayak-based parties, including the Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP).
He argued that the same pattern appears to be resurfacing in the latest internal developments within Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
“In many contests, the winners tend to close the door on those who lost. In doing so, they may think they are humiliating their opponents, but in reality they could be digging their own grave in the long run,” he said.
Jayum pointed to the exclusion of Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang and Baleh assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai from the party’s supreme council following the recent party elections.
Nyabong had contested the presidency against Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department and Kakus assemblyman Datuk John SikieTayai but lost by a simple majority, while Kudi failed in his bid for one of the vice-presidential posts.
“It would have been a generous and statesmanlike gesture to bring them into the supreme council for the sake of party unity,” Jayum said, adding that reconciliation after a contest is often a hallmark of mature leadership.
He observed that Nyabong’s narrow defeat indicated he still commands substantial support within the party.
“A simple majority win does not erase the fact that the opponent has significant backing. Leadership requires magnanimity, especially when the margin is not overwhelming,” he said.
Jayum also noted that both Nyabong and Kudi are closely associated with PRS founding president the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, and suggested that acknowledging this legacy would have been a prudent move in preserving party cohesion.
Looking ahead to the next state election, which is due in less than two years, Jayum said the current episode could have wider political implications.
“By all indications, they may not be renominated. This incident could create political fireworks,” he said.
He added that the situation may be further complicated by anticipated shifts within Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), particularly in areas where candidacy changes are expected.
On leadership generally, Jayum stressed that winning a contest does not automatically make one a leader.
“Anyone can win a contest. But leadership requires experience, knowledge and, above all, wisdom,” he said.
He described Masing as well-educated, experienced and wise, while noting that the party’s second president, Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, was known for his low-profile and soft-spoken approach.
“There are lessons to be learnt from both as PRS navigates its future,” Jayum said, adding that without a shift towards reconciliation and inclusivity, the cycle of fragmentation in Iban politics may persist.
English (US) ·