Kapit residents rally in support of Works Minister Nanta, reject calls for his resignation

Residents and community leaders of Kapit, along with political representatives and NGO leaders, pose for a group photo during the solidarity gathering at Dewan Suarah Kapit on Feb 5, 2026, to show support for Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Photo credit: UKAS

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 5: Residents in Kapit today staged a solidarity gathering to express strong support for Works Minister and Kapit Member of Parliament Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, rejecting calls for him to resign from the federal Cabinet.

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the gathering, held at Dewan Suarah Kapit, brought together political leaders, community heads, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public to show united backing for Nanta’s leadership in championing Sarawak’s rights.

Among those present were Sarawak Premier’s political secretary Watson Awan Jalai, Kapit District Council deputy chairman and Kapit branch Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) chairman Martin Bilun, Pemanca Pasang Tubak, Pemanca Wong Kie Ing, Penghulu James Sandak, Penghulu Jenny Yu Si Geok, Penghulu Sia Shui Poh, Kapitan Ling Hang Pin, as well as local NGO leaders.

Speaking as the gathering’s spokesperson, Martin said the people of Kapit stood firmly behind Nanta’s recent statements, which he said reflected the concerns of Sarawakians over the State’s position and rights within the Malaysian federation.

He condemned remarks by Perak DAP vice-chairman Dr Abdul Aziz Bari, who had called for Nanta to step down from the federal Cabinet.

“The statement is seen as an attempt to silence a Sarawak leader who is fighting for the rights of this State,” he reportedly said.

Martin also said Nanta’s firm stand mirrors the concerns of Sarawakians over actions by certain parties in Peninsular Malaysia that continue to challenge Sarawak’s rights, including on political, racial and religious issues.

He further said that Sarawakians will continue to stand firmly behind Nanta and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in defending the State’s rights in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1962, as well as the Federal Constitution and the Sarawak Constitution.

“The people of Sarawak want a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous Malaysia, where a multi-racial society can live together without being influenced by political disputes or racially and religiously charged statements,” he added.

Meanwhile, Penghulu James Sandak said the presence of leaders from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties, community heads and NGO leaders demonstrated the strong support of Kapit residents for Nanta and the Sarawak leadership.

“We are here today to show that we are the backbone of our leaders. We reject continuous political disputes that only serve personal interests,” he said.

On Jan 31, DAP Perak vice chairman Dr Abdul Aziz Bari reportedly called for the resignation of Nanta from the federal Cabinet following Nanta’s use of the term “divorce” from Malaysia.

He said a Cabinet minister cannot openly express views that contradict Cabinet solidarity, stressing that ministers are bound by Article 43(3) of the Federal Constitution and long-established conventions under the Westminster system.

Aziz also said if Nanta wished to make his views public, the proper course was to first step down from the Cabinet, describing this as a constitutional requirement rather than a discretionary choice. – DayakDaily