Sarawak proves politics need not pit communities, races, religions against one another

Nicholas Wung Duk Ying

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 23: Sarawak’s ability to maintain social harmony while pursuing long-term development showed that politics did not have to be driven by confrontation, fear or racial and religious divisions.

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching branch acting secretary and youth chief Nicholas Wung Duk Ying said Sarawak should preserve its own political culture of moderation, inclusiveness and stability rather than import divisive and race-based political practices often seen in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Sarawak has its own history, social structure and development needs. We do not need politics that constantly pits one community against another or turns every issue into political confrontation,” he said in a statement today.

He said this in echoing the views of Works Minister and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who had called for a more moderate and inclusive political approach.

Wung said moderation, inclusiveness and stability had long been part of GPS’ governing approach in Sarawak.

He said Sarawak’s development over the years demonstrated how political stability could create the conditions for policy continuity, investor confidence and long-term planning.

“Development in areas such as MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), energy transition, aviation, ports, education, the digital economy and major infrastructure cannot be sustained if politics is constantly trapped in conflict and internal power struggles,” he said.

Wung said Sarawak should therefore be cautious about allowing political practices from outside the State to reshape its priorities or weaken the social trust built over many years.

He stressed that putting Sarawak’s interests first did not mean rejecting other communities or creating division.

“Defending Sarawak’s rights and preserving harmony are not contradictory.

“Sarawak can be firm in protecting its interests while ensuring that every community has a place in its development,” he said.

According to Wung, this was one of the key strengths of Sarawak’s political model, where different communities could work within the same governing framework without turning racial and religious differences into permanent political fault lines.

He said maintaining such stability would become increasingly important as Sarawak moved into emerging areas including green energy, digital industries and higher-value economic activities.

“If politics is constantly consumed by internal conflict, the people will eventually pay the price through delayed development, weaker confidence and lost opportunities,” he said.

Wung said younger Sarawakians, in particular, should understand that stability and harmony were not automatic, but had to be actively protected.

“Sarawak’s most valuable assets are not only its natural resources, but also the trust between communities, political stability and the ability to plan for the long term.

“Moderation, inclusiveness and stability have served Sarawak well, and that is a political culture worth preserving,” he said. — DayakDaily