KUCHING, Nov 29: The unity government must reciprocate the goodwill of the Sarawak government which has shown great magnanimity in its willingness to put aside old differences and work together with factions who were once at odds with them towards a bigger purpose of rebuilding Malaysia and its economy.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple president Shankar Ram Asnani emphasised that political factions must refrain from personal or divisive politics as this is not the time for race or religion-based complications, but to unite to rebuild this nation.
“At the same time, the Federal government must play its role to honour the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and to ensure that Sarawak regains its rightful equal status with full autonomy in the Federation of Malaysia.
“We must always protect the interest of Sarawak as Sarawakians because it is our duty to this motherland to ensure peace and prosperity for all races,” he said in a statement today.
Shankar, who is also a senior lawyer added that the new Federal government should emulate the good things that Sarawak has done for its people, especially the establishing of Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) which unifies the different races, ethnicities and the multi-religious society in Malaysia.
He pointed out the Sarawak government under the leadership of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been very pragmatic and careful.
“So this time around, you see the sincerity of the Sarawak leadership, of course, after DAP’s (Democratic Action Party secretary-general) Anthony Loke and (chairman) Lim Guan Eng had apologised to the Premier and Sarawak.
“With the guidance, prudence and wisdom of His Majesty the King, we must congratulate the Sarawak leadership for taking the unprecedented step and a step forward to lend a helping hand to forge an alliance with the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition to form the Federal government and paved the way for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia,” he said.
Shankar reiterated that now is the time for the leadership of the Federation to concentrate on rebuilding the economy and to establish Malaysia once again as a major nation in Southeast Asia and the world.
“Our country needs urgent attention, with the national debt and cost of living at an all time high. Our people are trying hard to make ends meet.
“With Sarawak as a key partner in the Federal government, we have full confidence that it is only a matter of time that such can be achieved,” he added. — DayakDaily
