By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 9: Malaysia should take lessons from Sarawak’s long-standing model of unity, where people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds have lived together peacefully while embracing a shared Sarawakian identity, says activist Peter John Jaban.
In a press statement today, the deputy president of the Global Human Rights Federation (Malaysia) said Sarawakians have for generations demonstrated how diversity can become a source of strength rather than division.
He said beyond race and religion, Sarawakians take pride in identifying themselves first as Sarawakians, a collective identity that has helped keep communities united and focused on the common good of the State.
“Sarawak’s modern sense of unity was significantly strengthened during the leadership of former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, fondly known as Tok Nan.
“Although Adenan was known for his humour and approachable personality, he was firm in defending Sarawak’s rights and dignity, which helped awaken a renewed sense of pride and unity among Sarawakians,” Peter John said.
He further said the legacy continues today under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who remains committed to safeguarding Sarawak’s rights, strengthening unity, and advancing the State’s future.
Peter John was responding to The Star’s report quoting National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang that Sarawak recorded the highest level of unity among regional categories in the country’s latest National Unity Index (IPNas). The report said Sarawak scored 0.791 in the index, reflecting strong inter-ethnic relations in the State.
Jaban also pointed out that in recent years, Sarawakians from different political backgrounds have come together to defend rights guaranteed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said activists and civil society groups have played an important role in raising public awareness through forums, campaigns, peaceful protests, and demonstrations aimed at safeguarding Sarawak’s autonomy.
“Rallying calls such as ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’, ‘Sarawak for Sarawakians’, ‘Sarawak First’, and ‘Saya Anak Sarawak’ reflect the determination of the people to defend the rights, dignity, and future of Sarawak,” he stated.
Jaban added that the Sarawak government’s willingness to acknowledge and listen to the rakyat’s demands has further strengthened public confidence and unity.
He also cited a reminder by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar for Sarawakians to remain united, noting that solidarity is essential in safeguarding the State’s future.
At the same time, Jaban urged leaders across Malaysia to stop exploiting religion and race for political mileage, warning that such tactics only divide society and undermine national unity.
Instead, he said, leaders in other parts of the country — including those in Putrajaya — should learn from Sarawak’s example, where mutual respect, inclusiveness, and shared identity take precedence over racial and religious politics.
“Instead of merely preaching unity, leaders in other parts of Malaysia should take a lesson from Sarawak.
“If Malaysia truly wants unity, it should start by learning from Sarawak,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
