Why I respect Amanah and its leaders

To be a good leader, win minds; to be a great leader, win hearts; and to be an extraordinary leader, win souls.

The National Trust Party (Parti Amanah Negara) is the youngest and smallest of the three original component parties in Pakatan Harapan. The party is commonly known as Amanah.

Amanah was founded in 2015 by Gerakan Harapan Baru, a group of progressive Islamist leaders of PAS which lost in the June 2015 party elections.

Eight years in, Amanah has done well even if most of its senior leaders choose to work quietly away from the limelight.

I have a healthy respect for Amanah and its key leaders, even though I do not know most of them personally. At times, you only need to observe politicians from afar to assess whether they are really sincere and genuine people in public service or the self-serving type.

Although only a junior party in the Madani government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the few Amanah ministers in the cabinet have performed credibly.

I’m particularly glad that the prime minister brought back Amanah vice-president Datuk Seri Dzulkefy Ahmad as health minister in the recent cabinet reshuffle. He was one of the better performers in the first PH government in 2018-2020.

I suppose not many are surprised that Dzulkefy was elected with the highest number of votes to the party’s 27-member leadership committee at its national convention held in Klang over the weekend.
Such is the health minister’s support in his party and Amanah members do recognise good, honest leaders within their ranks when they see one.

I also recall paying tribute to the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub who passed away suddenly in July this year. He was Amanah deputy president and domestic trade and cost of living minister at the time of his death.
I agree with those who spoke fondly of Salahuddin, for he has struck me as a humble, clean, honest, hardworking politician and minister.

Somehow, without even meeting the man, you can believe that he is one exemplary political leader; one who upholds high ethical standards in his actions and decisions.

You can believe Salahuddin is a politician committed to serving the greater societal good and guided by principles rather than personal gain.

Needless to say, sincere leaders have a clear vision for the future and a sense of purpose that goes beyond personal ambition. Their commitment to a greater cause inspires trust and respect.

I join Amanah members in their quest to ensure that the party is in good hands by electing selfless and credible leaders. This is how they perceive party leaders like Mohamad Sabu, Salahuddin, Dzulkefy and several others. I agree and support their wise move.

I think Amanah was also formed with good and clear intentions as the majority of its leaders were formerly from PAS who steered away from the hardline image of the party.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu (or Mat Sabu as he is popularly known) is a known activist and reformist. When he fell out with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and his fundamentalists a decade ago, there was only one way out for him and his supporters.

Mat Sabu and his band of brothers chose the way of being more liberal and understanding Muslims and rejected their former party’s brand of fanaticism and extremism.

Their goal and vision in charting the way forward with their new party was clear – Islam must be practised alongside those of other faiths with total respect and appreciation of the diverse, multi-religious and multi-racial Malaysia.

It was clear to Amanah that religion has to be unifying factor in building a harmonious and prosperous nation. Islam must unite, not divide.

I would say that Amanah Malays/Muslims are very similar to our dear Malay/Muslim friends in Sarawak where genuine tolerance and understanding is concerned.

Looking at the increasing tension brought about by issues of race and religion in the country today, I think Amanah has to work harder to defuse the situation. This is the time for them to live up to public expectation of their aspirations although a tall order that must be.

I’m also glad that Mat Sabu was re-elected Amanah president last Sunday for his third and final term. At 69 today, Mat Sabu should be ready to call it a day in four years at 73. A leader like the Amanah chief will be prepared to let go willingly.

Mat Sabu is not a politician after position, power and fame. At least, he is not known to be an overly ambitious and self-serving politician.
To me, this is why Mat Sabu is a cut above many other leaders in PH today. He is also not one to betray allies and friends, for he values them.

Most importantly, and this is on top of my criteria list, I believe Mat Sabu will not steal and abuse his power as a minister. Politicians who are clean and above board will earn my unequivocal support.

The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.