KUCHING: The recent call for the resignation of Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi based on a narrow interpretation of “cabinet responsibility” is a legalistic distraction that fails to grasp the profound and historical grievances of the people of Sarawak and constitutional reality of Sarawak’s role in Malaysia.
Practising lawyer Wejok Tomik said Nanta’s remarks were not undermining or a threat to national unity nor a breach of duty, but a candid expression of legitimate, long-overdue frustrations and grievances of Sarawak as a founding partner of the federation.
“These frustrations are rooted in decades of systemic imbalance and unfulfilled promises under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Nanta’s remarks reflect a sentiment shared by many Sarawakians weary of a “fossilised framework” that prioritises federal centralisation over the original spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said in response to an exco member in the Perak government Dr. Abdul Aziz Bari’s statement.
Abdul Aziz, in his statement published in the news portal Scoop, called for Nanta’s resignation as the Works Minister after making “public statements that breached the principle of collective cabinet responsibility”.
Wejok, who is Party Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council member, defended Nanta, saying the Gabungan Party Sarawak (GPS) secretary general correctly highlighted that while Malayan politics is often mired in racial and religious bickering, Sarawak formula remains a model of inclusivity and mutual respect under the leadership of Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“His use of the word “divorce” was a candid expression of the need for harmony, urging Malaya to learn from Sarawak’s approach to multiculturalism rather than continuing endless quarrels.
“Suggesting that a federal minister must remain silent on the erosion of Sarawak’s rights, ignores the unique role Sarawak plays as an equal founding partner of this federation,” he added.
Wejok said while critics cite “cabinet responsibility” and Article 43(3) on cabinet solidarity, they must respect the constitutional bedrock of Sarawak’s claims, which remain non-negotiable.
He noted that Nanta, who is also PBB secretary general and Kapit MP, has a duty to represent the people of Sarawak.
His willingness to speak the “unspoken truth” should be met with dialogue and constitutional rectification, not legalistic distractions or calls for dismissal.
“It is time for Putrajaya to move beyond perpetual negotiations and honour the constitutional reality of Sarawak’s rights,” he said.
