No Bangsa Johor, just Bangsa Malaysia, says MP

Hassan Karim says he is a proud Johorean but prefers the term ‘Bangsa Malaysia’.

PETALING JAYA: A PKR leader from Johor has questioned the use of the term “Bangsa Johor”, saying it goes against national unity.

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said there is only one “bangsa” or nation in the country, which is “Bangsa Malaysia”. He added that Johor is one of the states in the Malaysian federation.

The term is said to have been introduced in the 1920s, during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Abu Bakar, considered among the early rulers of “modern Johor”.

It has continued to hold currency among some members of the Johor royal family.

Hassan, who chairs the Parliamentary Select Committee for Federal-State Relations, touched on the phrase “Bangsa Johor” during the recent Conference on Federalism at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.

“I was asked about my views, and I said the people of Malaysia must not be defined by their state of origin but as the people of one united nation,” he told FMT.

He said the concept does not fulfil the idea of a nation.

“This has been my personal stand since day one, that the concept of ‘Bangsa Johor’ from a sociological and political standpoint is not correct.”

He said unity would not be possible if states adopted a “Bangsa Johor”, “Bangsa Sabah” or “Bangsa Kelantan” mindset.

“Such concepts are reflective of parochial sentiments and not good for unity.”

Hassan was quick to add that he is a “proud Johorean” despite his views.

But he said there should be more emphasis on “Bangsa Malaysia”.

“You can also be proud of your heritage, whether you are Malay or Chinese or Indian, but all Malaysians must identify as being Malaysian first.” - FMT