KUCHING: The remark made by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg telling Sarawakians to stand firm against outsider, is very clear, strong and a powerful message.
Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said every right-thinking Sarawakian who truly cares and loves Sarawak understands the chief minister’s message.
“We Sarawakians have been described at various times by our peninsular friends as being a bit regionalistic, while respecting and honouring Malaysia, but there are valid and good reasons for being so,” he told New Sarawak Tribune, today.
He said before 1963, Sarawak was long a sovereign nation by itself although under the British rule, and the people of all races had adopted a genuine culture of tolerance, understanding and harmony.
“Sarawakians uphold this culture. We are very protective of it and resent any outsider who comes in to disturb and interfere,” he said.
Minos pointed out that indeed the peninsular people are fellow Malaysians but most of them have little or no knowledge of Sarawak and Sarawakians.
“At times, they can be so domineering because they make the majority,” he added.
“Last time under the Barisan Nasional (BN) rule, we had to agree based on consensus, to follow BN’s whip…Sarawakians complied and kept their silence; (like a) bear being led almost by the nose.
“And at times, it was painful, especially when Sarawakians had to agree with things that were adverse to their interests like the Petroleum Development Act 1974,” he said.
Minos stressed now that Sarawak is not politically tied to Malayan-based parties like it used to before May 9, the people, while still in Malaysia, have more freedom to say and act to determine their fate and destiny for a better future for the Land of the Hornbill.
“Sarawak should not and must not lose that freedon, not again,” he said.
He said that is why Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was formed.
He said GPS is here to regain eroded rights of Sarawakians, and to ensure the state is not being controlled by outsiders anymore.
“So, it is a big ‘no’ to all outsiders, meaning non-Sarawakians, from attempting to control and dominate Sarawak and its people.”
