By Dr. Sunday de John
MALEK Payam of Yirol East County has demonstrated features of progress in a number of different directions throughout the course of the past several years. The number of people who finish high school each year is on the rise; a growing number of students have enrolled in higher education programmes in both the South Sudan and other countries; and the economic and social growth of society is improving.
A significant number of our young men have enlisted in the military as well as in other organised formations. It is also clear that the youth in our rural areas are taking part effectively in a variety of activities, such as singing and wrestling, and a great deal of talent is being discovered on a daily basis. Many of our students have been awarded scholarships to study in Egypt and Turkey, while others are funding their own education in East African countries.
This is a direct outcome of their outstanding results in the schools in their community, and research has shown that exceptional academic achievement is strongly correlated with the level of support that an individual receives from his or her family. There are a lot of young people getting married, most of them with more over 100 cows, and through marriage, our daughters are also connecting us with people from different areas. In an ideal world, we would be a society that is performing well when measured against the standards of South Sudan.
These did not merely occur by chance; rather, they are the result of a lot of effort and persistent selflessness on the part of the community as a whole. We have members of the community who are altruistic in the sense that they labour for the betterment of the community day and night without expecting anything in return for their efforts. They are aware of the fact that, if given the chance, no man would work towards the destruction of his nation, and they believe that this notion begins at the grassroots level.
In spite of this, the ungrateful people of our society look up to these pillars of the community who put others before themselves without expecting anything in return as enemies that must be eliminated. The raging anger that is aimed at them will not make the ungrateful critics stronger, nor will it cause the individuals they detest to be consumed by flames. Instead, it will destroy the links that hold us together, drive a wedge between the community’s pillars and the rest of the community, and lead the community to regress.
Because it is common knowledge that hostility, pointless competition, and conspiracies are hallmarks of a backward society, it is of the utmost importance that the sons and daughters of Malek take stock of their own mental states and project an optimistic mental attitude. We all have a responsibility to speak out against schemes that undermine the community. As long as we make an effort to maintain civility, this is the most productive course of action.
Our activities shouldn’t give the impression that we are standing still, since that would be a mistake. Our principles must surmount all the challenges that have been conceived in the name of our community. Everyone is aware of how powerful our community is and how well it works together to accomplish things. If a group of Malek people come together, you can bet that whatever it is they want to achieve will be completed, and that they will do it in a timely way. People of Malek are known for their bravery and unwavering resolve.
The activities of a few people who are hell-bent on hatred for others are causing our values to crumble because we are giving in to the temptations that they have caused. Therefore, our ideals are disintegrating.
We have the power to defeat the small number of individuals who advocate for anarchy if we unite and refuse to take part in any of their plots. If we can avoid falling into their traps, we have a chance of defeating them. While I am not singling out anyone in particular, I feel the need to make it very apparent that the few aspects that I have characterized as being anomalous are some of our constituents that fit into the following categories:
1. Those individuals who entered institutions such as national security, the military forces, and the police, among others, intending to amass power and thereafter using that authority to reprimand Malek’s sons.
2. There is a second group that comprises conspirators whose purpose it is to trade people’s secrets, maim others with evil talk, and concoct strategies to ruin other individuals.
3. The next category comprises people who are skilled in a variety of areas. They are associated with those who are rich and powerful, and this frequently comes at the expense of their own family and friends.
4. The other type comprises those who scheme and counsel clans on matters that are beyond their area of expertise, asserting that this or that clan will seize our territory (Toich).
There are further categories; but, for this work, the ones presented here are sufficient. The components of these categories can come together to create a union, of intersecting with one another, of mutually complementing one another, and of serving as a subset of a more comprehensive unit.
We need to have an open mind and be directed by our values to be successful in overcoming their activities. This will allow us to turn them into a more positive part of our society. In addition, we need to recognize that all communities are composed of individuals with a wide variety of qualities and traits. As a result, we can celebrate who we are and acknowledge that we do, in fact, have concerns and limitations.
We need to respect one another in order for our community to thrive and expand in a healthy environment. It is imperative that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is polite enough to result in workable solutions that are free of contention. Even while we cannot avoid conflict entirely, we can learn to manage it in such a way that it has little impact on our lives.
It should go without saying that it is unethical to single out our own sons and daughters and depict them in a manner that does not do justice to who they are as individuals. It is imperative that we cease doing it. Everyone in this community needs to demonstrate gratitude to each other for even the smallest of their contributions to our society. There is no input that will be ignored. The ones who are appreciative will always recognize it, and the sons and daughters of Malek must not let any amount of hostility hurled at them discourage them.
The finest examples of Malek’s sons who give to the community and accomplish good things without adding show off or uncalled-for pomposity, as well as without engaging in vanity, are:
1. Amou Anyieth Reech, perhaps following the fall of Gen. John Along Ayur, is Malek’s second-most senior son after Isaiah Alier Machinkok. Amou never uses his lofty rank, position, or influence to demean anyone. He has demonstrated remarkable humility to his people, and his contribution is obvious. He helps Malek’s sons and daughters with achievement of their academic goals, and he has made other substantial contributions vilifying no sector of society. Why is he so composed? Why is he not dangerous? Because he is civil. Regardless, he is subjected to small talk and is occasionally referred to be a weak man. Must he harm us to show his power?
2. Brigadier Gum Agok Dek is the next person in this line. He is a contributor of his own and has been deployed on multiple occasions in an important role in his institution, yet he has never exploited his influence by insulting or bullying any Malek individual. He contributes valuably.
3. Hon. Mangong Anyijong Dut is another humble son of Malek. His humility is obvious because, as our Commissioner, his reputation was never dragged into contempt. He is a devoted SPLA soldier and a seasoned leader of great stature. His authority has never been wielded against a member of our community.
4. Ayiei Butic Alier is another Malek son who helps without raising an eyebrow. He has been a victim on many occasions since others have portrayed him as someone who does not contribute to the community, although he is doing his bit. People have got employment thanks to his assistance. He has assisted others in getting to locations they would not have been able to see otherwise, yet the same individuals are going about ungratefully stating he lacks educational qualifications. Despite this, he has never responded inappropriately. He is a graduate and human resources professional who has made a major and positive contribution to our community.
5. Ater Dakbai Riop is another pillar who contributes positively to Malek. He did not abandon Malek as an official at the Ministry of Higher Education. His enemies regard him as an uneducated man. It is his limited education that motivates him to assist our sons and daughters in obtaining educational chances. Is it necessary for him to obtain a PhD to contribute positively? Malek’s sons and children all play significant roles. Frequently, he has been denigrated and even loathed disrespectfully. However, his good acts speak for themselves. When must we recognize our own? Ater Dakbai knows the value of education and he works for others to get an education.
6. Lang Kosia Kocmor is another role model. He has been chastised several times for his honest leadership as a commissioner, and he has earned a terrible reputation from enemies of progress. That is irrelevant to him. He instead acted with passion as a well-bred and well-mannered gentleman, and as a result, he had never plotted against any segment of our community to extract wealth. He is an excellent example of a good leader.
7. Chien Yong Kueric is another fantastic figure in our history. When Malek is the centre of attention, he never backs down from a challenge. It is possible for him to give his life to save Malek. He has performed this action in the past, and up to this point, he has been actively involved in ensuring Malek’s well-being. Chien has not cast Malek’s people in a negative light, although he has been insulted, dishonoured, and humiliated. His actions are without flaw.
8. Mayor Bok and Mabor Ater Reech are a set of individuals who will sacrifice their lives for the sake of Malek. They have contributed significantly to the brilliance of Malek substantially.
10. Deng Makuak Barech, another son of Malek, has made significant achievements throughout his life. He developed Malek into a community that sometimes had power running continuously thanks to his efforts. Through his labour, he could build an operational school and a medical facility.
He is continually seeking methods to assist those who are ill, vulnerable, and disadvantaged. He helped other people get good accommodation, and he made a part of the road that was blocking vehicles from entering Malek passable on many occasions so that people could get through. Because the water that our people drink is pure, he has something to contribute to the industry of water, and he has created an ideal living environment in Malek.
Despite the significant volume of contribution and the charitable work he has done, he is consistently at the centre of contentious debates, and each time, his reputation suffers. He is universally reviled for no apparent reason at all. When I think back to the beginning of his journey, I do not observe any changes; he keeps modesty as his trademark, always unselfish, caring, and at all times generous. He has employed none of his resources to demean Malek. He has murdered nobody and has not been a participant in any activity that has resulted in backsliding. Those who speak negatively about him because they are envious of his success ignore the fact that he worked hard to get it. This is a constant source of humiliation for him. He does not lie in bed and daydream about being rich; instead, he puts in hard work every day.
11. Majok Wel Alier has been a rock-solid presence in all of Malek’s dealings. He remained in his post for a considerable amount of time without interfering with any of Malek’s citizens. As a leader and a son of Malek, he has always maintained a spotless reputation. His contributions are unquantifiable. He guided the people of Malek and is the genuine protector of his people.
12. Thon Lep Adhieu, one son of Malek, who has a heart of gold and is an exceptional example. He prioritizes Malek in everything he does. Thon has never been persuaded in his roles as a teacher and administrator, and because of this, he was once detained by the powerful for standing beside people who would later be victimized. Malek’s condition has improved because of his work throughout the years. It is necessary to give him recognition for all of his raucous labour.
13. When it comes to matters concerning Malek, Mayen Barnaba Kot Bahou has a lengthy track record. Mayen Kot was the one who made sure that most Malek’s boys who pursued an education were given a warm welcome by the Kot Bahou family in areas as far from home as Agut-ran and Mapuordit. He has made a contribution that will live on in the minds and hearts of those who appreciate what he has done. He ought to be recognized for his accomplishments by us.
14. We have an obligation to recognize that Eli Agok Ater Reech holds an important position with regard to Malek’s affairs. Eli has various responsibilities because of his roles as a scholar and a traditional leader. Malek has benefited frequently from his ability to find solutions to problems.
15. Jesus Thon Aban and Mayor Mou Adhor are two more young people who would shed their blood in defence of Malek. Like Mou, Jesus has been the target of hostility and vilification in the society. They are looked down upon for being honest, and they do not sugarcoat their statements. They are those who speak the truth. Concern should always be directed toward someone who possesses the talent of being able to tell the truth.
There are a great number of sons of Malek who, in many ways, continue to serve as role models. There is a happy ending in sight for us. We have justification for presenting ourselves to the outside world as a community that possesses its own inherent capabilities.
With this said, our community is facing numerous challenges. There are many conflicts in existence. Because of this, I have this to say:
When we are younger, the personal interactions in our lives, whether they are with friends, classmates, or siblings, frequently present us with difficulties and disagreements. It is essential to keep in mind that these disagreements can have a ripple effect and can lead to discord not just within our individual circles, but also across our greater community.
Because of this, it is absolutely necessary for us to place a high value on strong relationships of brotherhood and sisterhood and to work toward cultivating these bonds. When we can help one another and look out for one another, not only do we improve the quality of our own personal relationships, but we also contribute to the development of a society that is more compassionate and peaceful.
But disagreements are unavoidable, and the way we choose to resolve them is the factor that ultimately counts the most. It is imperative that we attempt to approach problems with understanding and empathy rather than reverting to aggressive or hostile behaviour. Even if we disagree with someone’s viewpoint, we should make an effort to understand things from their point of view by listening to what they have to say and trying to put ourselves in their shoes. We can make the world a more peaceful place if we approach disagreements intending to locate areas of agreement and working toward a solution to the problem.
In the end, the significance of having a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood can never be understated. We have the power to bring about good change and make the future a better place for everyone when we unite and help one another. Therefore, let us attempt to build strong relationships of brotherhood and sisterhood and to address problems with understanding and compassion.
It is essential that we put our education and knowledge to use to improve our society and have a good effect on it as our community continues to expand and change through time.
The younger generation of Malek needs to foster its ties now. Pointless rivalry is pointless. We need not to be envious of each other. We have to complement each other at all times.
We ought to note that Ater Dakbai is not a threat to us. Deng Makuak Barech is not an enemy, Ayiei Butic is not a traitor and Mabor Ater is not out to destroy Malek. These and others are our strong pillars.
We in an actual sense need to pray that people like Ater Dakbai should grow and get opportunities to be minsters of Education. That God’s boost Deng Makuak so that his business can equate to that of Kur Ajing Ater or Lukak, that God rewards the efforts of Dr Sunday de John be among the leaders soon and perhaps be given a responsibility to lead as Minister of Petroleum.
That God makes Ayiei Butic grow into a Chief Executive Officer of the Dar Petroleum, that let Gum Agok be the Chief of Defence Forces soon and that let Gen. Amou Anyieth be the Inspector General of Police and let Jesus Thon Aban be Minister of Information or spokesperson of Gen. Marial Chanuong when appointed as a governor, etc.
We need to build a society that cares about itself and that doesn’t wish each of its members a fall. We must begin now. As Nelson Mandela stated, “No one is born hating another person. If they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” Therefore, sons and daughters of Malek can as well learn to love and the time is now!
Yours truly, Mr. Teetotaler!
