PBK’s call to ban peninsular parties from Sarawak polls divisive, says state PKR Youth

 

Sarawak PKR Youth chief Chiew Choon Man said banning national parties from contesting would limit Sarawakians’ choices and weaken representation at both the state and federal levels. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Sarawak PKR Youth has slammed Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) proposal to amend the state’s constitution to bar political parties from Peninsular Malaysia from contesting in state and parliamentary elections in Sarawak.

The wing’s chief, Chiew Choon Man, said PBK’s rhetoric in branding PKR and DAP as peninsular parties that “take away” seats from local Sarawakian leaders was a divisive tactic, aimed at stirring up hatred rather than addressing real issues.

He clarified that PKR and DAP are national parties with genuine Sarawakian leaders and members rooted in local communities.

“We fully understand the aspirations and daily challenges of Sarawakians,” he said in a statement today.

“We are all Anak Sarawak who stand as part of a national platform committed to uplifting the welfare of all Malaysians, including our brothers and sisters in Sarawak.”

PBK, which made the call earlier today, said elections in Sarawak should be made a state affair and no political parties from the peninsula should “interfere”, directly or indirectly.

Its president, Voon Lee Shan, said seats for Sarawak in Parliament are for the state and not meant to be contested or “taken away” by political parties from the peninsula.

“If a seat is won by a political party like DAP or PKR, then this seat is taken away from Sarawak for a political party from Malaya,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.

Further rejecting this argument, Chiew said political parties should be judged based on their policies and contributions, not their origins.

He said, for example, PKR’s platform is centred on social, economic and political justice, focussing on development, equitable funding and policies that benefit Sarawak.

The Miri MP also warned that barring national parties from contesting would only serve to weaken Sarawak’s representation at both the state and federal levels.

“Every voice in Sarawak should be heard at the highest level of governance. Acting in such a narrow-minded manner would in fact damage the democratic rights of Sarawakians.”

Chiew urged Sarawakians to reject PBK’s divisive narrative, saying that Sarawak’s strength lies in its diversity and harmonious coexistence.

“We do not subscribe to any anti-federal sentiment that seeks to tear the unity of our country apart,” he said.

“Instead, we believe in collaboration among all Malaysians — across states and parties — to address pressing issues such as infrastructure gaps, educational opportunities, healthcare access and economic development.” - FMT