KOTA SAMARAHAN: Opposition parties in the state are told not to harp on sensitive racial or religious issues.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Idris Buang, in advising this, warned the actions of the opposition in raising these issues would eventually cause distrust and friction amongst Sarawak’s multiracial communities.
He said this, in turn, would create instability in the state and could lead to an emergency declaration which could put the state under the grip of Malayan leadership.
“Recently, the opposition raised an issue over the name of Wisma Melayu, launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Dec 10, calling for it to be renamed as Wisma Kenyalang Sarawak.
“They like to play on these issues to cause instability. When all races distrust each other, this is beneficial to them.
“Don’t forget that when there is instability, a state of emergency could be declared in Sarawak,” he warned when met by reporters at an event here on Saturday (Dec 12).
Idris was commenting on the raising of such issues by opposition parties recently.
He reminded that the state’s greatest asset was its social and racial harmony which was vital to political stability.
“Without social and racial harmony and political stability, we cannot do anything and nobody can run the state and country as a whole.
“We want Sarawak to be a happy place. Here, we have respect for each other and we have a common understanding, a common interest and a common area to work on.
The Muara Tuang assemblyman also stressed that his party would continue to fight against racial tensions.
“The Malays must respect the Ibans, the Ibans must respect the Chinese, etc, and vice versa. We Sarawakians don’t have anywhere else to call our home but here,” he added.
