KUCHING, Nov 13: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak backs Public Works Minister-cum-Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s stand in not accepting refugees from Palestine into Sarawak, says Chong Chieng Jen.
“As such, I urge the Sarawak government to adopt the stand of Alexander Nanta, the secretary-general of GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak), the ruling parties in Sarawak, and to state its firm stand to Putrajaya.
“Though DAP Sarawak is the opposition in Sarawak, when it comes to matters which affect the interest of Sarawak, we can share the same opinion and stand,” said Chong, who is Sarawak DAP chairman, in a statement issued today.
He went on to say that Sarawak is known for its racial harmony, peace, and tolerance, and the admission of Palestinian refugees may disrupt the present situation in Sarawak.
“While we empathise with the sufferings of the Palestinians victimised by the Palestine-Israel war, we are worried about the admission of the war victims into Sarawak as there will be clashes of ideologies, beliefs, cultures, and ways of life with Sarawakians,” he added.
Earlier today in a statement, Nanta stressed that Sarawak does not need to accept any refugees, particularly those from countries known for violence, anger, and hatred.
He noted that he wholeheartedly supports the stance of Sarawak Association for Peoples’ Aspiration (Sapa) publicity and information chief Peter John Jaban and several other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in their caution to the Sarawak government about the possibility of Palestinian refugees entering Sarawak. — DayakDaily
