Sarawak wants stability for all, not just Malays, says Karim

Sarawak aims to foster political stability and unity for all communities, not just the Malay parties in Peninsular Malaysia, says Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Hamzah explained that Sarawakians and Sabahans have become uneasy with developments in the peninsula, particularly the apparent influence of race and religion in the country's political direction.

He noted that most parties on both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo were formed along racial or religious lines in the 1950s and 60s, suggesting that leaders today must consider factors beyond these criteria when deciding who should lead Malaysia. After over 60 years of independence, there should be less emphasis on race in politics, he told FMT.

While Sarawak does not wish to see disunity among Malay parties in Malaya, political stability should not be solely defined by Malay political unity. Hamzah emphasized that Sarawak desires stability and togetherness among all parties, not just Malay parties. This sentiment came after Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin warned GPS that Malay disunity could undermine confidence in West Malaysian leadership.

Hamzah warned that political instability in the peninsula would impact the entire country, including Sabah and Sarawak. He urged West Malaysian leaders to understand the concerns in Sabah and Sarawak, reminding them that these East Malaysian states are equal partners in Malaysia. Though GPS has a limited number of parliamentary seats and cannot decide individually who should lead the country, Hamzah reiterated that GPS remains a crucial partner for parties in the peninsula seeking support to form the federal government.

He stated that GPS's unity makes it appealing to disunited Malayan parties hoping to bolster their support for national government formation.