Bandar Kuching MP denounces proposal for exclusive Malay PM

KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen strongly condemns the suggestion by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal to restrict the position of the Prime Minister to Malays only.

Dr Yii asserts that such a proposal goes against the founding spirit of the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He contends that parochial thinking, as exhibited by politicians from Perikatan Nasional, not only limits the country’s potential but also fosters division and animosity among Malaysians.

“Such narrow thinking and bigotry is also what is causing the widening gap of integration, not only among races but also among the regions of Sarawak and Sabah.”

He questions whether the proposal implies that even native Sabahans and Sarawakians cannot hold top leadership positions in the country.

“Malaysia was formed by three regions — Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya — based on principles and rights outlined in MA63 and integrated into the Federal Constitution. These principles aimed at fostering a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural Malaysian aspiration,” he said in a statement today (Dec 15).

Dr Yii, also the Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth chief, firmly believes in the vision of the forefathers to build a country where every Malaysian child can dream, grow up, contribute and take leadership roles.

“This includes the possibility of any Malaysian to take the top leadership as appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who in His Majesty’s judgment, commands the confidence of the majority of the members of that House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) and be measured and judged by their abilities and contributions to this country we call our own.

“That is why such toxic politics should be rejected not just by people from the Borneo states, but more importantly all peace-loving Malaysians who continue to uphold the spirit of multiculturalism and just want to see an inclusive Malaysia that goes beyond sentiments that continues to divide us,” he stressed.