Yesterday, I wrote a message and shared it with my contact list on WhatsApp. It was quite well received by my friends and associates in Sarawak and Sabah.
Then, I thought it might be a good idea to share it with Malaysiakini readers as well since many (of you) have generally been supportive of my views whenever I wrote about my homeland, Sarawak and my fellow Sarawakians.
So, here it is.
Titled “My message to the destructive forces in Malaya”, I wrote: “This is an oft-repeated advice but must be proffered again and again because the voices of destruction in Malaya are getting louder and bolder.
“To the quarrelsome and unhappy politicians in Malaya, it costs you nothing to take a leaf from the people of Sabah and Sarawak and learn how to co-exist in peace and harmony as one people and one nation.
“I like to think that the majority of Sabahans and Sarawakians have been quite successful in their quest to ensure that tolerance and harmony stand tall in the two Borneo territories.
“Seriously, if these destructive elements in Malaya are allowed to continue with their racially charged extremism, it’s about time for the people of Sabah and Sarawak to go for secession. That could possibly be the best option for the Borneo territories.
“Why? Because this is no longer the Malaysia we signed up for in 1963.”
Secession an old wife’s tale
In case anyone thinks that talking about secession is seditious, let me say this. Sarawakians and Sabahans talking about seceding from Malaysia can be likened to an old wife’s tale. It has been bandied about for years.
People bring up the issue. A day or two later, the subject fizzles out. In Sarawak, a political party, Parti Bumi Kenyalang has “Independence for Sarawak” as its slogan and went on to contest two recent elections under that theme. So, what is so seditious about talking of secession?
This is also not the first time I’ve brought up the secession issue here and I doubt it will be the last.
I can also recall and quote the late Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem, as saying “don’t blame Sarawakians when they start talking of secession because they must have good reasons to.”
When we discuss what is going on in the country today, it seems that we cannot think of anything positive, particularly those related to race and religion.
Let us concede that we, Malaysians, have nothing to be proud of today, not when our sock-gate controversy has made international headlines too. How could we be fighting so ferociously over what was clearly an unintentional oversight by a convenience store?
It’s time to ask this serious question. When can we stop ourselves from being saddled with sensitive issues, all mostly intertwined with religious, racial and political fervours? Or will that ever happen?
‘Moderation is our middle name’
Amid a stressful month for many of us, when we were overwhelmed by the bak kut teh, school canteen, Taylor Swift concert, and sock issues, I was somewhat comforted by the March 25 statement from Tuaran MP Wilfred Madius Tangau, saying that Sabah and Sarawak should take action to avoid being dragged down by divisive issues prevalent in Malaya.
“Sabah and Sarawak should cultivate a clear branding as the ‘Other Malaysia’, one that is reasonable, stable, inclusive, and at ease with diversity.”
The former Upko president also said while Borneans are not good at producing grand narratives and slogans, they have been the real “Madani” (at least in compassion, respect, and trust) country even before Malaysia was formed. Moderation is our middle name.
I’m glad that the Sabah politician also brought up Sarawak in his mention of staying away from divisive controversies and extremist elements in Malaya.
Wilfred, like many of his contemporaries in Sarawak, must surely be aware that Sabah and Sarawak have to continue leading the way in religious tolerance and racial harmony
His Sarawak counterpart, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian has also been on the same page, declaring many times that “Sarawakians will look after Sarawak and the people of Sarawak want no part in the ugly incidents and extremism perpetuated by destructive political forces in Malaya.”
Time to move on
SUPP secretary-general Sebastian Ting has reminded Umno Youth chief Dr Mohamad Akmal Saleh that nothing positive will emerge from any action wrapped in spite, anger, and revenge.
“It’s time to get over this unfortunate incident and move on to help in the nation’s progress and development,” he said.
Ting also called on Umno Youth to help unite the people “as we need a united force to weather the difficult economic storms currently engulfing the nation.”
He added that by promoting tolerance and unity, Malaysians can build resilience against extremism, radicalisation, and polarisation.
Sound advice indeed from Sarawak leaders. But will such words of caution, offered with sincerity and compassion for a political ally in need, be heeded?
Or will Umno Youth and their “not-so-smart” acolytes continue to be the destructive force which is frowned upon by many sensible and forthright Malaysians, including many from the Borneo territories of Sabah and Sarawak? - Mkini
FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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