(Miri, 17th) Regarding the Sarawak-based Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) calling for the state government to amend the constitution to prohibit political parties from Peninsular Malaysia, specifically naming People's Justice Party (KEADILAN) and Democratic Action Party (DAP), from participating in Sarawak's state and parliamentary elections, Miri MP and President of Miri Division Youth Wing of KEADILAN, Chiew Choon Man, issued a statement today strongly rebutting this proposal and emphasizing the defense of Sarawak people's democratic rights.
Chiew Choon Man pointed out that any attempt to use identity politics to divide the people of Sarawak is ill-intentioned and baseless. He emphasized that labeling KEADILAN and DAP as "Peninsular parties" and claiming that these parties "take away" Sarawak constituencies is purely malicious incitement, with no factual basis.
"Identity politics, like race or religion-based politics, is merely a means to manipulate Sarawak's emotions to divide the people and cannot truly solve livelihood problems." Chiew Choon Man stressed that KEADILAN and DAP are national parties, not so-called 'Peninsular parties', with branches across the country. The members and leaders in Sarawak are local Sarawakians, deeply rooted in the area, who genuinely understand the needs and expectations of Sarawak's people.
Chiew Choon Man stated that KEADILAN's core political ideology is to promote social, economic, and political justice, especially focusing on the rights of vulnerable groups. Therefore, evaluating a political party should focus on the policies and ideas it proposes, rather than its background.
"We must discard politics of hatred and division, and focus on how to develop underdeveloped areas, secure more funds for vulnerable groups, and formulate policies that truly improve the lives of Sarawak's people."
He said that restricting political party participation not only violates the spirit of democracy but could also harm the political influence of Sarawak's people at the national level.
Chiew Choon Man pointed out that many of KEADILAN and DAP's Sarawak leaders have long fought for equitable policies and higher allocations at both federal and state levels to promote Sarawak's sustainable development. Therefore, Sarawak's people should be entitled to choose the party that best represents their interests rather than being artificially restricted.
Chiew Choon Man emphasized that Sarawak's strength lies in its multicultural and harmonious social structure, which serves as a model for all of Malaysia. He opposes any narrow anti-federalism that undermines national unity, advocating for national unity and collaboration to address urgent issues like underdeveloped infrastructure, insufficient education resources, lack of healthcare services, and economic development.
"Politics should be built on the healthy competition of policies, ideas, and capabilities, rather than on artificial limits and inciting suspicion." Chiew Choon Man called on Sarawak's people to reject politics of division and hatred, adhere to democratic principles, ensure Sarawak remains open and inclusive, and welcome diverse leadership and constructive cooperation to build a better future.
"Our ultimate goal is solely to build a just and prosperous Malaysia, where every Sarawakian can have a better future!"