KUCHING: The Malay Graduates Association of Sarawak (IGMS) was founded amid accusations of extremism and questions over its relevance, but remained committed to advancing Malay development through education and leadership.
IGMS adviser and founding president, Datuk Dr Sanib Said, said the organisation began in 1993 when five young graduates gathered to discuss how they could contribute to the development of the Malay community in Sarawak.
Among those involved were Datuk Takun Sunggah, Datuk Dr Hazami Jahari, Ahmad Lokman and Dzulkarnain Wajidi, all of whom would later assume prominent roles in public service and leadership.
“At that time, we had no titles, positions or influence. We were simply a group of young people who believed we could contribute something meaningful to society,” he said during the opening of the Sarawak Malay Graduates Convention 2.0 (KGM 2.0) at the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Batu Lintang Campus today.
Sanib said the process of registering IGMS was challenging, with the application submitted in 1993 only receiving approval in 1996 after navigating various bureaucratic requirements.
The organisation also faced resistance from different quarters, including members of the Malay community who questioned the need for another Malay-based association when several similar organisations already existed.
“Some labelled us as racial, extremist or radical. The criticism came not only from outsiders but also from within the Malay community itself,” he said.
According to him, some religious figures also expressed concern that efforts centred on Malay identity could be perceived as promoting ethnic chauvinism.
Despite the criticism, Sanib said IGMS remained guided by its founding philosophy of ‘Alif, Ba, Ta’ – representing ‘agama’ (religion), ‘bangsa’ (race) and ‘tanah air’ (homeland).
“Our struggle has always been about defending Islam, empowering the Malay community, and contributing to the development of Sarawak,” he said.
Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Sanib highlighted numerous youth and education programmes organised over the years, including leadership camps, student gatherings, graduate conventions, and large-scale motivational programmes.
Among its most notable achievements were the Sarawak University Students’ Society (HIMAS), which united Sarawakian students from universities across the country, and a Malay graduates convention that attracted about 2,000 participants despite being organised before the era of social media.
He admitted that IGMS had faced difficult periods, including moments when he considered dissolving the organisation as many early members pursued different paths.
However, the emergence of younger leaders and continued support from members helped sustain the organisation.
Sanib urged educated Sarawakians, particularly the younger generation, to take on greater responsibility in shaping the state’s future through knowledge, leadership and service.
“Our generation started this journey. It is now the responsibility of young intellectuals to continue the legacy and contribute ideas that will ensure Sarawak remains stable, progressive and united,” he said.
