DOMPOK
PENAMPANG: Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau has a big shoe to fill come March 21 as he takes over as the acting president of United Pasok Momogun KadazanDusunMurut (Upko)Organisation.
His appointment comes to effect after Tan Sri Bernard Dompok retires from the post.
“As Tan Sri Bernard mentioned, he told us about it on February 21. It was very emotional then; today too. Words cannot express how sad we all are. I believe the majority of Upko leaders, what more the members, will find it tough to digest, if they can understand or believe it at all. Such reaction speaks volume about him as a person, but even more as the Upko leader.
“Sad though we are, there is also a sense of peace and calm. We respect him, we respect his decision. Why, because he had been training us all along, like a father who teaches his children to grow up and be counted. He often reminds us that a great leader must first be a good follower. This quality is second nature to Upko members because we have been taught to be in politics for the right reason, that our compass must always be pointing true north, that we have to have our Focus, Daring and Sincere (Fokus, Berani Ikhlas – FBI) in our political struggle,” said Tangau after Dompok made public his decision to resign during a press conference yesterday.
The party deputy president described it as the crux of the matter because when Dompok leaves as president, he is only stepping down from the position.
“To me, he will still be our top leader. Already, there are very sensible proposals, that the Supreme Council invoke Article 63 (i) and (ii) of our party constitution, and make him Upko Honorary President. I for one will personally make the proposal when the Supreme Council next meets. It is only right to do so.
“I also know that despite all his great achievements, Tan Sri Bernard will continue to conquer new heights. His vision and work rate is second to none. And Upko will be with him all the way.
“As per his announcement that, myself being the deputy president will take over as acting president – as per Article 23 (iii) – be rest assured that I will continue the great Upko tradition, working even harder than before, to stay true north. I never dreamt to be in this position. But if I am given the responsibility, I will draw strength from the support of all the members. And especially the proven guiding hands of Tan Sri Bernard himself. Kindly whisper a prayer or two for him, myself and Upko. God bless Upko.”
Asked on possible leadership changes in the future, Tangau said he was ready for anything.
“If the members think that there are other better candidates as president, I am ready to make way. The party is all about principles and everything is done for the best interest of the party,” he said.