When Musa Hitam ended his reticence by coming out in support of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s stance on oil royalty payments to Kelantan, observers could not help but speculate on the what-might-have-been had the two sublimated their rivalry by collaborating for their party, Umno, and the nation’s benefit.

On an issue of huge importance to the concept of federal-state relations, both party veterans have risen above personal expediency to prioritise the interests of a democracy.

With that gesture, they each have helped resist the pull of self-interest...