SUPP concurs for Sarawak to not accept refugees

MIRI:  The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) fully supports the suggestion that Sarawak does not need to accept Palestinian refugees.

The suggestion was earlier voiced out by the Minister of Works and Secretary-General of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

“We appreciate Dato Sri Alexander for making this crucial and resolute statement, clarifying Sarawak’s stance on the refugee issue,” said SUPP’s secretary-general cum Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew in a statement today (Nov 14).

“We strongly believe that most, if not all, Sarawakians agree with Nanta on this. In reality, regardless of the origin of the refugees, Sarawak is unable to accommodate them due to the many pressing challenges that the Sarawak government is currently facing, including raising the standard of living for the people of Sarawak and addressing rural poverty,” Ting added.

He said Sarawak is blessed and indeed well known for its racial harmony, peace, tolerance and acceptance of each other. 

“Our refusal to take in Palestinian refugees is not due to a lack of compassion and empathy but we need to be cautioned and consider many circumstances, especially concerning our capability and the local sentiments,” Ting pointed out. 

“An influx of refugees may clash with our differences in ideologies, values, culture and way of life. This will affect the local peace and stability which we have taken generations to build,” he added.

Ting said; “Sarawakians have always valued, treasured and cherished our peace and harmony and are against any extremism or violence. As such, we have profound sympathy for the Palestinian people and all victims affected by the war.

“War is no way to provide a solution to a conflict.We therefore strongly condemn any conflicts that disrupt humanitarian efforts and pray for all those suffering, hoping that they can overcome the hostilities of war and to have a better life.” 

He added that the turmoil in some parts of the world constantly reminded us the importance of protecting the existing peace, harmony and stability that we have in Sarawak. 

The prosperity and peace in Sarawak are hard-earned, a strong foundation laid by our forefathers coming from different ethnics’ background. 

“We must continue to strengthen our unity and inclusivity, avoiding any conflict. Of course, we must make use of our immigration autonomy to protect our precious peace, harmony, unity and our way of life.”

Ting added, under the strong and capable leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, Sarawak is advancing well towards achieving the status of being a developed state by 2030. 

This is by actively implementing policies ensuring economic prosperity, social inclusivity and sustainable environment under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

“With the World Bank acknowledging Sarawak’s early entry into the high-income category, we are moving toward an unprecedented journey into a golden age,” he said.

Amid the numerous development agendas that needed implementations, Sarawak must not and never succumb to external influences, Ting added.

“We urge the Federal government to take serious note of Sarawak’s objection to accept Palestinian refugees or any refugees, for that matter.. We believe in building our own state for our own Sarawak people first.

Indeed, Sarawak people must always come first,” he exhorted.