Don’t fan separatist flames, Khaled warns political analyst

 

Khaled Nordin tells Wong Chin Huat that linking the dissatisfaction of the people with Umno is not a ‘mature or progressive approach’.

PETALING JAYA: Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin has condemned a statement by political analyst Wong Chin Huat, saying it fanned separatist flames among Sabahans and Sarawakians.

This follows Wong’s claim that many Sabahans and Sarawakians wanted their states “kicked out” of Malaysia.

“Really”, Wong said on Facebook, “then you have got to do what the Singaporeans (People’s Action Party) did”, citing the island state’s separation.

He said the PAP had a different idea of how the federation of Malaysia should be and that this had threatened Umno.

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He also suggested that Sabah and Sarawak “Borneonise Malaya” by demanding secularism, multiculturalism and decentralisation.

Khaled said that as a political activist, Wong should not ignite such sentiments, adding that the unity of the Malaysian federation “needs both west and east Malaysians to build a future agenda”.

“Fanning separatist flames and linking the dissatisfaction of the people with Umno is not a mature or progressive approach,” he said in a Facebook post.

He said “promoting division” was not only “malicious” and “irresponsible” but also “unpatriotic, anti-constitutional and anti-national”.

“Malaysia was founded on the clear and important values of understanding, respect, constitutional spirit and federal relations,” he said.

Khaled pointed out that the issues faced by Sabahans and Sarawakians should be resolved by ensuring the development agendas in all states were equal.

“Stop calling for division and separation. Contribute ideas and values that can make our country and society better,” he said. - FMT