“Victory without fighting” (Datuk John Lo)

 

In the Daily Express dated 22.6.2025 Datuk John Lo said: ‘My favourite philosophy of “Sun Tze” is “Victory without fighting”.

Sun Tzu's philosophy of "victory without fighting," is to subdue the enemy without direct conflict. 

This philosophy assumes certain conditions that may not always apply:

If the enemy is irrational or don’t have the ability to think they may not be deterred by non-combative strategies.

Subduing without fighting often requires patience, preparation, and favorable conditions. In urgent situations immediate action may be unavoidable. I have been patient for 5 years but my situation has now become urgent as I will soon be timed barred from taking legal action against the developer of Vistana Heights.

Sun Tzu’s approach relies on accurate intelligence and understanding the enemy. Misjudging their resolve or capabilities can lead to failure (e.g., underestimating an opponent’s willingness to fight). This is what has happened in the case in point. The developer, architect and DBKK have underestimated my willingness to continue this fight leading to a court case.

In zero-sum scenarios (e.g., legal battles) direct confrontation may be inevitable if negotiation fails.

While "victory without fighting" is ideal, Sun Tzu himself acknowledges the need for adaptability. A hybrid approach—combining strategic positioning with readiness for conflict—often works best. For example:

Preparation: Build strength to deter aggression while seeking non-violent solutions. I have been doing this for almost 5 years.

Flexibility: Know when to shift from diplomacy to action if the situation demands it.

In short, "victory without fighting" is a powerful ideal that prioritizes efficiency and foresight but requires the right conditions, adaptability, and a fallback plan for when direct conflict becomes unavoidable.