‘Strength does not mean dominance’: PBB sec-gen calls for more inclusive M’sian politics, to learn from S’wak

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 22: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has called for a more inclusive and moderate approach to Malaysian politics, saying Sarawak has demonstrated that political strength can be built through power-sharing rather than dominance.

In a Facebook post, Nanta said political efforts should foster respect, togetherness, and a sense of security, rather than relying on extreme, fear-inducing, or irrational approaches.

He was responding to recent views expressed by Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad Hasan—who are Umno vice president and deputy president, respectively—on the need to manage racial politics, particularly Malay unity, in a rational, moderate, and inclusive manner.

Nanta, also the Minister of Works and Kapit MP, said Malaysia could strengthen one community without weakening another, while allowing different communities to uphold their respective identities without belittling others.

He also welcomed views from PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who stressed that Malaysia’s stability should not be viewed solely from the perspective of Malay political unity.

Nanta said Sarawak’s political experience showed that different communities and parties could work together while maintaining their respective identities, stressing that strengthening one community should not come at another’s expense.

He also cited the leadership of former Sarawak chief ministers—the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud—and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as proof that unity is the backbone of progress.

“From the leadership of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, Tok Nan, who constantly reminded us to ‘jaga Sarawak bait-bait’, to the contributions of the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in preserving stability and social harmony, and now under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier, Sarawak’s approach has always been rooted in tolerance, mutual respect, and inclusiveness,” he said.

Nanta pointed out that PBB won all 47 seats it contested in the 2021 Sarawak Election, but said the party had never regarded the victory as a licence to govern alone.

Instead, he said, governance and responsibility continued to be shared through Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) with its component parties Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

Nanta also highlighted Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent Malaysia Day 2026 speech in Kuching, particularly his emphasis on the concept of ‘wa’ad nasional’, which he described as the promise and understanding forming the foundation of the country’s formation.

“Differences in opinion are part of democracy. But differences should not lead us to a politics of hatred that ultimately harms the people and the country. It is time for us to leave toxic politics behind,” he said.

Nanta also urged Malaysians to give Abang Johari and Anwar space to focus on stability, development, and economic strengthening in the people’s interests.

He stressed that efforts to strengthen one community should not be seen as a threat by another, and that Sabah and Sarawak should not be viewed merely through the lens of political numbers.

Instead, he said, they should be recognised as partners in the formation of Malaysia, with their own history, rights and contributions.

“We can fight for our respective rights without denying the rights of others. We can differ politically without damaging the harmony of a country that has been built together for 63 years,” he said.

Nanta concluded by recalling the words of the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng: “Anang Malaysia baka tebu, manis dipun tabar di hujung”, which means not to let Malaysia become like sugar cane, sweet at the beginning but tasteless at the end. — DayakDaily

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