Champion debater Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has refuted former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s claim that the promotion of Johor nationalism is unhealthy for Malaysia and can lead to the collapse of the federation

“While I respect Mahathir very much, this time I cannot agree with his views on Bangsa Johor,” Syed Saddiq, who is a Bangsa Johor born and bred himself, wrote on his Facebook page today.

One of the Bersatu seven, who sits on the pro-tem committee of the ex-PM’s own brainchild Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), the debater argued that Johor nationalism is actually beneficial for the nation.

“Bangsa Johor shouldn’t be seen as an agent of disunity. It was created to unify the people of diverse races in the state to come together under the same umbrella and to galvanise our spirit to work to better the economy, and raise Johor’s name, as well as contribute to the country.”

He said that the state identities are a safety net for the rakyat when nationalism at the federal level has been co-opted by those in power.

Syed Saddiq said that while it may be easy for those who reap benefits to ask people from the states to set aside their local identities, but to the disenfranchised of Sarawak who were denied development and the natives of Kelantan whose oil royalty has been taken, for example, state identities provide a chance to speak out and fight for their rights.

He also pointed out that ironically, people outside of Johor were gunning for the Johor royals, who are the main promoters of Bangsa Johor, to do something to save Malaysia, but he wondered if they themselves would sacrifice to that end, or would other royal families rise to the occasion.

Syed Saddiq said that while we are all in one federation, state identities are part of the bigger picture, a mosaic of a united Malaysia and should be used as a bridge to unite the disparate states, rather than be opposed.

In any case, Syed Saddiq opined that each and every one should be allowed to choose their own identity, whether based on state, religion, nationality or faith.

It should be noted however that Syed Saddiq supported Bersatu being registered as a race-based party that will not allow non-bumiputeras to hold elected party office or vote in party elections.

In the final analysis, Syed Saddiq argued that if we truly want all Malaysians to unite under the flag, then the concept of Bangsa Malaysia must be created and promoted, while the rights of all races from all states equally respected.

Syed Saddiq was responding to Mahathir who said in a forum that Johor nationalism is unhealthy for Malaysia, warning that it can lead to the collapse of the federation.

While it is within the right of the Johor royalty to promote the idea, Mahathir said, it was only with unity that Malaysia could prosper.

“Well, it is their right to promote the idea. But to me, if each state tries to be separate, then the federation will collapse. We need to work together because only with unity can we prosper,” warned Mahathir.