Don’t ‘import’ peninsula-style politics into Sarawak, says SUPP man
by Jude Toyat · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Sept 24): Sarawak should preserve its own political culture of moderation, inclusiveness and stability instead of ‘importing’ the race-based politics often seen in the peninsula, said Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kuching Youth chief Nicholas Wung.
He said Sarawak’s ability to maintain social harmony while pursuing long-term development shows that politics does not have to be driven by confrontation, fear, or racial and religious divisions.
“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.
The statement was issued in support of Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s call for a more moderate and inclusive political approach.
Wung said moderation, inclusiveness and stability have long been part of Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) approach to governance.
“The state’s development over the years shows that political stability can create the conditions needed for policy continuity, investor confidence and long-term planning.
“Development in areas such as MA63, energy transition, aviation, ports, education, the digital economy and major infrastructure cannot be sustained if politics are constantly trapped in conflict and internal power struggles,” he said.
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.”
Wung said this was one of the main 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 added that this political stability would become even more important as Sarawak moved into new areas such as green energy, digital industries and higher-value economic activities.
Wung said younger Sarawakians in particular should understand that stability and harmony were not automatic, but had to be 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.