By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Nov 12: There is no such thing as raced-based politics in Sarawak, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Pointing out an example in Betong, Abang Johari said that history has depicted the unity between the Iban and Malay communities through the cooperation between local warriors in defending Sarawak from the coloniser.
“If you studied history, Rentap (an Iban warrior) was fighting against Brooke together with Sharif Masahor (to defend Sarawak), meaning that the relationship between the Dayak Iban and Malay is very close.
“So do not mix our politics with racism. If we do that, we are following the culture of those in Malaya,” he said during the closing ceremony of the ‘Empowering Betong Division Grassroots Administrative Institution’ seminar in Betong, streamed live via GPS Facebook page today.
At the same time, Abang Johari also pointed out that in Sarawak, the people are not fighting each other to become the leader, compared to those in Malaya, where everyone wants to become the prime minister.
He explained that this is because all Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) representatives are united in fighting for Sarawak’s rights.
“Never let this culture set foot in Sarawak, not even once. We do not want Umno and Bersatu to come to Sarawak. If they come over, we will fight for unity and the people of Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
