( by penang3brothers )
Walter Sisulu was a South African anti-apartheid activist and member of the African National Congress (ANC).
He was one of Nelson Mandela’s political mentors and his closest collaborator for half a century in the campaign against South Africa’s racist political order.
While Mr. Mandela was the public face of the African National Congress, by his own account he admitted that he rarely acted without first consulting Mr. Sisulu.
* * * * *Walter Sisulu was a peasant boy who rose to become Deputy President of the African National Congress and one of the foremost influences in South African politics.
His firm belief in a non-racist philosophy, at a time when many black activists were arguing differently, proved decisive in shaping the philosophy and political direction of the ANC.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment on June 12, 1964. With other senior ANC figures, they were housed on Robben Island, one of the world’s most notorious prisons.
Sisulu was released on October 15, 1989 at the age of 77, after spending nearly 26 years behind bars. * * * * *
Mr. Mandela said;
“Sisulu stands head and shoulders above all of us in South Africa. You will ask what is the reason for his elevated status among us. Very simple, it is humility. It is simplicity. Because he pushed all of us forward and remained quietly in the background.”
Mr. Mandela added;
“However, he neither sought nor wielded his authority by virtue of office. He was ever ready to draw others into leadership. When he was banned by the apartheid regime from holding office in the ANC he smoothed the way for OR (Oliver Tambo) to take up the post as the Secretary General.
He never asked of others what he was not prepared to do himself.
Rivalry between organisations was to be expected in prison. Many among us prisoners were perceived to be leaders of one or other organisation.
But all prisoners saw Xhamela (Walter Sisulu) as the leader of all of us, irrespective of the organisation one belonged to – a leader of the entire people.
Since the birth of democracy many among us have traveled the world and received numerous awards acclaiming one’s leadership.
With or without any such awards Walter’s status as a national leader is beyond challenge.”
“Bitterness does not do your cause any good, “That doesn’t mean you don’t get angry. But you don’t let it get in the way of your policy.”– Walter Sisulu
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Currently, Malaysia is in dire need of capable, trustworthy, selfless and responsible leaders in the caliber of Mr. Walter Sisulu.
Sadly, nearly every leader of every political party, irrespective of race and ideology, is very much striving towards gaining popularity, solely, for themselves.
Let us ponder on the current situation plaguing the political party of MCA. We just could not comprehend the reason behind all these infighting among its top leadership. For what and for whose causes are these elected leaders fighting for, to the extent of discrediting each other, publicly?
We are left wondering on how one can remain a leader if the very element of leadership is neglected by creating factions among fellow members of the same community in order to pursue their personal agenda?
Leadership requires the maturity to set aside personal differences among fellow comrades in order to achieve common ground in serving those they represent and/or those who look up to them for guidance.
Unfortunately, what we are witnessing now before us is that these so called leaders of not only for the Chinese Community but the entire citizens of Malaysia by virtue of their Ministerial positions in the Government, are allowing themselves to be blinded by their quest for personal glory to the extent of seeking and inviting UMNO to interfere into the domestic affairs of MCA.
The dignity, pride and sovereignty of MCA are not only tarnished but unceremoniously lost and trampled upon in this great calamity. In any trial or tribulation, it is not an embarrassment to have lost, but to loose with our heads down is definitely humiliating. This dark episode in the glorious history of MCA is totally uncalled for and certainly not welcomed nor desired by its faithful members and the Chinese Community as a whole.
To say the least, this is a disgrace to the very community they were entrusted to lead and care.
For now, we leave these elected leaders with a note to reflect upon;
“ What have you brought upon is nothing but self destruction; for we do not have the wisdom to see it otherwise ”
Thank you.
