Gap between Sarawak, Peninsular M’sia’s political values and culture widening, says activist

KUCHING (Jan 30): A growing divergence exists between the political values and cultural practices of Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, said Peter John Jaban.

According to the activist, politics in Sarawak emphasises harmony, coexistence, and practical development in contrast to the confrontational and identity-driven politics seen in the peninsula.

He opined that these differences have contributed to an increasing political and emotional disconnect, leading some Sarawakians to question their place within the federation.

He claimed the situation worsened when Sarawak began firmly asserting its constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which was met with hostility, suspicion, and racialised political attacks by some quarters instead of constructive engagement.

“Legitimate constitutional demands were wrongly portrayed as acts of defiance or disloyalty, exposing an unwillingness to treat Sarawak as an equal partner in Malaysia,” he said in a statement.

“As a result, many Sarawakians and Sabahans feel uncomfortable being drawn into political, racial, and ideological conflicts that they did not create and that threaten long-standing social harmony.”

According to him, if these fundamental issues remain unresolved, Sarawak may eventually consider reassessing its position within the federation through legal and constitutional means.

“If a marriage no longer functions well, it is better to part ways amicably and with dignity. Sarawak has potential to follow Singapore,” he warned.

He stressed that Sarawak’s demands are rooted in law, history, and partnership, not rebellion or hostility, and that true national unity can only be achieved through honouring agreements, respecting differences, and treating all partners as equals.

He was responding to Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s comments on long-standing concerns among Sarawakians regarding Peninsular Malaysia’s increasingly divisive political climate.

During an interview with BFM’s The Breakfast Grille on Thursday, Nanta, who is Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary general, said it is high time for all parties to stop bickering and work issues out harmoniously.

“I want Malaysia to go on as a Malaysia that is progressive and people live in harmony. Is that too much to ask for? But I’m worried. I’m worried if we continue to quarrel over everything then don’t blame us, don’t blame Sarawakians. If you don’t like us, divorce us.

“I don’t really want that to come. But we have to be respected, we have to be understood, and we don’t want to waste our time on bickering,” he said.

He also recalled that his grandfather, the late Tun Temenggong Jugah Barieng, was one of the signatories of the MA63, representing the Dayak community.

Nanta said he is duty bound to protect the country as a Malaysian.

“I love Malaysia. When I have to think about Sarawak, I am with the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), I am with the Sarawakians. I need to protect Sarawak and if Sarawak prospers, Malaysia prospers.”