SUPP Stakan backs Nanta, urges Peninsular Malaysia to end political bickering

KUCHING (Jan 30): The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Stakan Branch has expressed its full support and solidarity for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi over his sentiments aired on BFM’s The Breakfast Grille on Thursday.

SUPP Stakan branch chairman Dato Sim Kiang Chiok said the federal Works Minister’s remarks, though heavy-hearted, reflect the growing frustration of Sarawakians who witness the relentless political bickering, racial friction and religious intolerance plaguing Peninsular Malaysia.

He said Nanta’s observation that perhaps the South China Sea serves as a reminder of the distinct paths between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, should be taken as a wake-up call to the federal leadership.

“We also feel that for too long, the national discourse has been hijacked by divisive rhetoric, while Sarawak, under the visionary leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has focused on stability, inclusivity and economic progress,” Sim said in a statement.

Pointing out that the “Sarawak Formula” offers a workable solution, Sim echoed Nanta’s call for Peninsular Malaysia to learn from Sarawak’s model of governance.

“Our state’s success is built on genuine sincerity and concrete policies, such as the establishment of Unifor (Unit for Other Religions) to care for all religions and the recognition of all ethnic groups as equal stakeholders.

“In Sarawak, we do not waste time on petty quarrels; we spend our energy on development and securing the future of our children,” he said.

Sim said SUPP Stakan also supports Nanta’s firm stance on Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly regarding the state’s oil and gas resources through Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).

He emphasised that autonomy is not about undermining the federation, but about ensuring that Sarawak’s wealth is used to benefit Sarawakians.

“What’s ours by the founding fathers must remain ours.”

Sim further called upon the federal government and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to pursue sincere negotiations instead of legal disputes, warning that prolonged conflict would only inflame public sentiment.

While Sarawak remains committed to Malaysia – a nation its forefathers, including the late Tun Temenggong Jugah Barieng (Nanta’s grandfather), helped build – Sim said the federation must respect its partners.

“As Nanta rightly pointed out, Sarawakians have always stood by the nation in times of need, but their loyalty must not be taken for granted.”

Sim reiterated that SUPP Stakan stands firmly behind the GPS leadership under Abang Johari.

“Our priority remains ‘Sarawak First’. We call upon all political actors in the Peninsular to stop the endless ‘politicking’ and instead look to Sarawak as a model of how a multicultural nation should function.

“If Malaysia is to move forward as one, it must embrace the harmony, mutual respect and with the progressive governance that defines the Sarawak spirit,” he added.

On Thursday, Nanta said Malaysia must stop constant bickering and work towards resolving issues harmoniously, suggesting that Peninsular Malaysia emulate Sarawak’s approach to managing disagreements.