Time to return to rational, moderate, inclusive political culture

KUCHING: Malaysia must move away from toxic politics and return to a more rational, moderate and inclusive political culture that reflects the country’s multiracial and federal character.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said efforts to strengthen any community should not come at the expense of others or create fear among non-Malays, Sabahans and Sarawakians.

“We can strengthen one community without weakening another. We can defend our own identity without belittling the identity of others,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Nanta said he welcomed recent remarks by Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Datuk Seri Utama Mohamad Hasan and PBB information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who had called for moderation and inclusiveness in managing race-based politics.

He said Abdul Karim’s view reflected Sarawak’s own political experience, where stability was built through cooperation across communities and parties.

“We do not want to see the Malay community divided. At the same time, we also do not want efforts to unite any race to cause others to feel excluded, threatened or that they no longer have an equal place in this country,” he said.

Nanta said Sarawak had demonstrated that inclusive politics could work, citing PBB’s victory in all 47 seats it contested in the 2021 state election.

Despite having enough seats to command a simple majority on its own, he said PBB continued to govern through Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) together with SUPP, PRS and PDP.

“Strength does not necessarily have to be translated into domination. Strength can also be translated through partnership, confidence and inclusiveness,” he said.

Nanta also said the principles of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the idea of a national “wa’ad” or covenant should continue to guide relations between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

He recalled the advice of his late grandfather, Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng: “Anang Malaysia baka tebu, manis dipun tabar di hujung.” (Do not let Malaysia be like sugar cane: sweet at the base, tasteless at the end.)

He said the message was a reminder that Malaysia should not begin sweetly only to lose its spirit, trust and commitment over time.

“After 63 years, I hope Malaysia will remain sweet to the end through justice, mutual respect and confidence between Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah, as well as among all races and religions,” he said.

Nanta added that internal stability was also part of Malaysia’s strategic resilience amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

“Differences of opinion are part of democracy, but they should not lead us into politics of hatred that ultimately harms the people and the country,” he said.