By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 5: Sarawak Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Political Education director Soo Tien Ren has called on UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh to apologise over his remark claiming that Malaysia belongs to only Malays.
In a statement, Soo said he found the remark not only betrays the founding ideals of Malaysia’s multicultural society but also insults the dignity and identity of the people of Sarawak.
“For far too long, UMNO Youth has been pushing a populist narrative that Malaysia belongs only to one ethnic group, completely disregarding the constitutional framework and diverse social fabric on which this country was built,” said Soo.
He went on to say that when Malaya gained independence in 1957, it was already a multicultural and multiethnic society which contributed equally to building the nation together.
“In 1963, with the formation of Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah became integral parts of this country. We are not outsiders. We are not second-class. We are not appendages. We are Malaysia,” he said.
Soo added that as a member of the unity government, Akmal should uphold the principles it represents.
“The unity government has made notable strides in fostering social harmony through education reform, interfaith understanding, and community integration. These efforts are built upon mutual trust and cooperation across all ethnic groups.
“Therefore, I strongly urge both UMNO Youth and Akmal himself to issue a public apology not only to the people of Sarawak but to all Malaysians. A responsible leader does not manipulate racial sentiments for political gain. A true leader builds an inclusive, united nation.
“Malaysia belongs to all Malaysians—not to any one race or political party. Sarawakians are not lesser Malaysians. We are an inseparable part of this nation. Respect for diversity is the only true foundation of unity,” said Soo.
In a Facebook post on May 4, Akmal was responding to a post by Malaysia Chinese Association (MCA) Ethnic and Religious Relations Bureau deputy chairman, Roger Yapp.
In the May 3 post, Yapp spoke on a recent statement by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir on the latter’s Facebook on April 29 claiming that the Malays have lost several ‘Tanah Melayu’ (Malay lands) throughout time, and that the Malays ‘will be left living on the fringes of the forest’.
Dr Mahathir also claimed that the world recognises Peninsular Malaysia as belonging to the Malays.
In response, Yapp said that Malaysia belongs to all Malaysians, which prompted Akmal’s Facebook post on May 4.
“If you call yourself a Malaysian, then you should understand Articles 152 and 153 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia,” said Akmal in the post.
He then went on to explain that Article 152 states that the Malay language is the national language, but other languages can be studied and used.
For Article 153, Akmal elaborated that it shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities.
He then told Yapp to learn the country’s history first before issuing such a statement, ending his post with, “Selamanya ini adalah tanah melayu dan tidak akan berubah perkara tersebut (‘This has always been Malay land, and that fact will never change’).” — DayakDaily
