KUCHING: Sarawakians should continue to place their trust in homegrown political leaders and parties as they are best positioned to understand and safeguard the state’s unique interests.
Backing a recent call by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said Sarawak should not depend on Peninsular Malaysia-based political parties to champion the state’s aspirations.
He concurred with Abdul Karim’s warning that Sarawakians cannot rely on the Peninsular’s political leaders, arguing that leaders from across the South China Sea are naturally more focused on issues affecting their own regions.
“Sarawakians cannot hope or think that peninsula political leaders know their hopes and aspirations or their concerns and fears,” he said in a statement.
According to Minos, Sarawak’s development, progress and future direction are best guided by leaders who understand the state’s history, multicultural society and long-standing aspirations.
“Best is still for us in Sarawak to rely on our own political leaders for all things – for our progress and advancement, for ideas, for inspirations and so on,” he said.
He described Abdul Karim’s remarks as timely and appropriate, saying the minister had “said it right and straight”.
“Only Sarawak leaders really know Sarawakians and it follows that only Sarawak-based political parties can promote and safeguard Sarawak’s legitimate interests,” he said.
Minos thanked Abdul Karim for openly raising the issue, adding that peninsula leaders are often preoccupied with challenges in West Malaysia.
“Let’s admit it plainly. Peninsula leaders are too busy and too occupied or too engrossed with problems and things over there and have little or no time for us Sarawakians,” he said.
He also highlighted what he sees as fundamental differences between the political landscapes of Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
According to Minos, peninsula politics is often characterised by the use of race and religion as dominant election issues, a political culture that differs significantly from Sarawak’s traditionally moderate and multiracial approach.
“People in the peninsula have their own political cultures which are totally different from Sarawak,” he said.
He claimed that such differences could also be observed in the attitudes and political discourse of some Sarawakians influenced by peninsula politics.
“Maybe the East cannot meet the West, given that they are separated by sea and distance and so many things,” he added.
Abdul Karim had recently urged Sarawakians to continue supporting local political parties such as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), saying only local-based parties could effectively protect the state’s rights, interests and autonomy within the Malaysian federation.
