'Do not be 'mabuk kuasa' or we will end up like BN'

The fall of BN could also happen to Amanah if its members got swayed by their new power and position, said Mohamad Sabu.

Better known as Mat Sabu, the Amanah president in his policy speech at the party's convention reminded delegates in Ipoh today that they must not become arrogant and forget their responsibilities to the country.

Citing a Quranic verse, he said the power they obtained by becoming the ruling party was a test from God and carries the burden of responsibility and people's trust.

"Do not become mabuk kuasa (drunk with power) in the joy of our position and pleasures... the worry is that we will hanyut (swept away) and in the end, fall in disgrace.

"We came to this stage for our high commitment, a lot of sacrifices, as well as by holding tightly to our idealism and principles.

"But today, we are facing a different type of test. Power and position are capable of blinding our conscience (membutakan hati kita)," he said.

Mat Sabu said history has proven that nothing is permanent, including governments and leaders who climb and fall.

It was not impossible, he added, for a government that started in good faith to eventually crumble due to its own weaknesses and evil acts.

"Look at the history of the Islamic government in Spain, which, in the end, crumbled due to internal disputes. Failure to manage powers well would only lead to arrogance towards the weak, and in the end result in oppression and abuse of power.

"We ourselves have seen how the BN government, which had been in power for so long, finally fell into the hands of the rakyat.

"It is not impossible for us to receive the same fate. Please realise that the power that we have today is not absolutely ours but only borrowed." - Mkini