Malaysia's politics must return to inclusive, community-building

KUCHING, Sept. 22: Malaysia's politics must return to a rational, moderate and inclusive approach to ensure stability and social cohesion are maintained.

The General Secretary of the United Party of Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB), Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that the approach is important in considering the reality of Malaysia as a diverse nation made up of different racial and religious communities, including relations between Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

"We can strengthen one community without weakening another. We can defend our own identities without degrading the identities of others", he said.

According to the Minister of Public Works, community unity should take into account diversity without causing any community to feel isolated or threatened.

He said Sarawak's experience of tolerance, mutual respect and inclusiveness shows that political power is not necessarily translated through domination, but can instead be built through partnership, trust and inclusion.

Nanta also referred to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's emphasis on the concept of "wa'ad national" which he said reminded all parties of the shared commitment and responsibility in the formation of Malaysia.

He said, the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63) is not merely a matter of Sabah and Sarawak, but rather a national responsibility to be understood and shared.

"Disparities are part of democracy. But differences should not lead us to a hateful politics that ultimately harms people and the country", he said.

Nanta also called on all parties to give space to the national leadership and Sarawak to focus on stability, development and economic strengthening for the benefit of the people. -TVS