Different paths, same purpose

RECENTLY , several people have asked me whether I will contest in the coming 16th General Election (GE16).

My answer is a definite no.

Some have interpreted my decision as a case of “once beaten, twice shy.” Others have wondered whether I have concluded

that I no longer have political value.

Neither is the reason.

For me, the decision to enter politics and contest in an election was never primarily about winning a position. It came from a genuine desire to serve people and contribute to society.

After much reflection, however, I have come to realise something important:

Politics is not my forte.

And accepting that is not a failure.

It is simply recognising where one can contribute most effectively.

Politics is bigger than elections

I am not withdrawing from politics.

In fact, I remain very interested in politics and public affairs. I continue to see myself as a political, social and business

commentator because politics has a profound impact on our society and our daily lives.

Politics is not something that only happens in Parliament or during elections.

It affects all of us.

Think about something as simple as the black shoes our children wear to school. It may appear to be an ordinary matter but even such a decision can be the result of government policy.

The price of food, education, healthcare, transportation, taxes, business regulations, employment opportunities and the development of our communities are all influenced by political decisions.

In that sense, our lives are deeply shaped by politics, whether we realise it or not.

That is why I believe we should remain politically aware, even if we are not politicians.

Service has many roads

We sometimes make the mistake of thinking that the only meaningful way to serve society is through political office.

It is not.

A politician can serve through public policy, legislation and government.

A businessman can create employment, generate wealth and build opportunities.

An NGO can serve communities, advocate for causes and help those who need assistance.

A professional can contribute knowledge and expertise.

A teacher can shape generations.

A community leader can bring people together.

A volunteer can change someone’s life.

Different paths. Same purpose.

The important question is not necessarily:

“What position do I hold?”

The more important question is:

“What value can I create, and who can I help?”

For me, my priority now is business.

I believe business, when conducted responsibly, can also be a powerful instrument of service. A successful business does not merely generate profit. It can create employment, develop people, support families, stimulate local economies and open opportunities for others.

But choosing business does not mean abandoning public affairs.

Politically aware.

Politically connected. Institutionally independent.

My approach going forward is simple:

Politically aware.

Politically connected.

But institutionally

independent.

I want to understand politics because politics affects business, society and the lives of ordinary people.

I want to maintain relationships across the political spectrum because society is bigger than any one political party.

But I also believe that institutions, organisations and businesses should retain their independence and remain committed to

their fundamental purpose and, where applicable, the interests of their members.

This means being able to work with whichever government is in power.

Working with a government does not necessarily mean being politically aligned with it.

Being connected does not mean being controlled.

Being independent does not mean being hostile.

There is a difference.

In a democracy, governments come and go.

Political parties rise and fall.

Leaders change.

But the needs of the people remain.

Therefore, perhaps the wiser question is not:

“Which side am I on?”

But:

“What can I do, from where I am, to make a positive difference?”

Position is temporary. purpose can remain

I have also learned that we should not define our worth by whether we win or lose an election.

An election determines who receives a mandate to represent the people at a particular point in time.

It does not determine whether a person has value.

Neither does holding political office automatically make someone more capable of serving society.

There are many people without political titles who quietly make enormous contributions to their communities.

They build businesses.

They create jobs.

They support schools.

They help the disadvantaged.

They preserve culture.

They mentor young people.

They contribute to NGOs.

They build institutions.

They solve problems.

They serve without needing a microphone or a political position.

Perhaps that is the lesson I have learned from my own journey:

We should not confuse the position we hold with the purpose we serve.

My decision not to contest in GE16 is therefore not a decision to stop serving.

It is simply a decision to choose a different avenue of service.

Politics may not be my forte as a political contestant, but I remain engaged as a political, social and business commentator.

At this stage of my life, I believe business, community work, professional contribution and institutional development may

allow me to contribute more effectively.

And I am comfortable with that.

Because I have come to believe that:

Power is temporary.

Positions are temporary.

Politics is one avenue of service.

But purpose can remain.

At the end of the day, history may not remember the position we once held.

But the people we helped, the opportunities we created and the institutions we strengthened may continue long after we are

gone.

There are many roads to service. We do not all have to travel to the same one.

What matters is not the road we choose.

What matters is the purpose that guides us along the way.

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 alimimpira@yahoo.com