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Dato Lo Khere ChiangAdvertisement
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 1: The use of the word “divorce” by Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi should be understood in its broader context and not reduced to a mere choice of words, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang.
Responding to remarks by former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Lo said Nanta’s statement was not intended to challenge Malaysia or promote division but reflected long-standing frustration among Sarawakians over unresolved issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
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“Nanta did not speak out of hostility towards Malaysia. On the contrary, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the nation,” he said in a statement recently.
Lo said the frustration stemmed from more than six decades of delays in restoring Sarawak’s rights as envisaged under MA63.
“As the grandson of Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng, who signed MA63 on behalf of Sarawak, Nanta spoke from a position of responsibility to history and future generations,” he said.
He pointed to the imbalance in parliamentary representation, noting that Malaya holds about 75 per cent of parliamentary seats while Sabah and Sarawak combined account for only around 25 per cent, which he said contradicts the spirit and intent of MA63.
Lo also said Sarawak had grown weary of prolonged debates on race and religion in Malaya, stressing that harmony in a multiracial society must be protected with care.
“Our stability is not accidental. It is the result of leadership grounded in moderation, wisdom and restraint, not the exploitation of race or religion for political gain,” he said.
He further highlighted historical developments, including the enactment of laws such as the Petroleum Development Act 1974 during the Emergency period, which resulted in Sarawak losing control over its oil and gas resources.
According to Lo, Sarawak’s leadership has consistently asserted the state’s rights firmly but lawfully, guided by constitutional safeguards and historical agreements.
He also expressed support for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s proposal to formally study Sarawak’s history, MA63, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and state laws in universities.
“A generation that does not understand the agreement that formed Malaysia cannot be expected to defend it,” he said.
Lo said Sarawak would continue to defend its constitutional position with dignity and legality.
“We stand in solidarity with Nanta’s call to focus on building a stronger, fairer and more dignified Sarawak for future generations,” he added. — DayakDaily
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