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, asserts Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Hamzah highlighted that Sarawakians and Sabahans have grown "uncomfortable" with developments in the peninsula, particularly where race and religion seem to steer the country's political course.

He pointed out that most parties in both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo were established along racial or religious lines during the 1950s and 60s, and urged today's leaders to transcend those criteria when choosing Malaysia's future leaders.

Hamzah emphasized that after more than 60 years of independence, there should not be excessive focus on race when determining Malaysia's leaders. While Sarawak does not advocate for Malay disunity, he stressed that political stability should extend beyond Malay parties in Malaya. "We would welcome stability and unity among parties representing all races and religious groups," he added.

Following Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin's statement at the party's general assembly, Karim remarked that Malay disunity could undermine East Malaysian leaders' trust in West Malaysian leadership. He argued that instability in the peninsula would impact the entire country, including Sabah and Sarawak. "If Malaya becomes unstable, so will Malaysia, and this will also affect our future development and relations with foreign nations," he cautioned.

He urged peninsula leaders to understand the concerns faced in Sabah and Sarawak, reminding them that East Malaysian states are equal partners in the nation. Although the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition has a limited number of parliamentary seats, Hamzah acknowledged that the coalition remains a vital partner for parties in the peninsula seeking support to form the federal government. He described GPS as a united force that could serve as a stabilizing influence in the country's political landscape.