KUCHING, Dec 18: Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) president Lina Soo is puzzled by Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan’s statement purporting that his party will negotiate peacefully with the Federal government for Sarawak independence to avoid bloodshed.
“Isn’t this a U-turn as PBK has been advocating a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) which does not need the approval of the Federal government as ‘unilateral’ means one side only without the agreement of others?” she questioned in a statement today.
She said PBK leaders had been saying that they will unilaterally declare independence (UDI), meaning they do not need to talk to the Federal government or even consult the people in a referendum which is what new sovereign countries go through to have their sovereignty recognised by United Nations.
She also questioned whether Voon’s differing opinion was due to him realising the error of his ways and finally acknowledging that Sarawak independence can only be restored through peaceful negotiations with the Federal government and not through unilateral means.
“Voon should know that Singapore’s exit from Malaysia was through mutual agreement between Singapore and federal governments, and not through UDI.
“If any territory can declare UDI to be independent, then Taiwan would declare independence with UDI.
“So would Hong Kong too in 1997, when it could just go independent by declaring UDI, instead of the British colonial government handing Hong Kong over to China,” she said.
Soo further urged PBK to stop misleading Sarawakians on the process of independence. This is a very serious matter, and the people must be fully informed on the correct procedure to achieve sovereignty.
She asserted that Sarawak independence could only be sought through consultation with the Sarawak people, diplomacy and engagement with the federal government, and getting the international community’s goodwill.
“That is why Aspirasi is advocating an independence referendum with the people voting for it, as the correct pathway to Sarawak independence,” she added. — DayakDaily
