Puzzled Salleh's caution: Don't let racial politics cross South China Sea

Summary

• Ex-Sabah CM wonders why problems from racial politics still crop up after 60 years of independence.

• Salleh stresses that it should not take root in Sabah.

Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak has delivered a clear and timely message: racial politics - which continues to dominate the narrative in Peninsular Malaysia - must not be allowed to take root in Borneo.

His remarks come amid growing political discord in West Malaysia, where leaders are embroiled in debates over whether racial identity or national unity should take precedence.

“When reading about racial issues in West Malaysia, one cannot help but wonder - why do such problems still occur more than 60 years after independence?” the Umno leader wrote in a social media post.

Salleh pointed out that in the Borneo states, communities of various ethnic backgrounds live in harmony.

“Kadazan, Dusun, Rungus, Bajau, Suluk, Irranun, Murut, Chinese, Bugis, and others grow up together, attend the same schools, and celebrate each other’s festivals without barriers.

“Religion in Sabah is practised with mutual respect and understanding. People of different faiths support one another during religious and cultural celebrations, and interfaith harmony is part of everyday life,” he added.

Don’t let politics make us enemies

Salleh said while differences in support exist in politics, it should not divide society or sever friendships.

“Politics in Sabah focuses more on development and people’s needs - such as employment opportunities, roads, education, and access to clean water. Leaders come from all backgrounds and serve all communities.

“There is no need to comment in detail on what happens elsewhere, but one thing is clear - racial issues of that nature should not be allowed to grow roots in Sabah,” he added.

Describing the harmony and unity in Sabah as “invaluable assets”, Salleh stressed the importance of safeguarding them.

“Let us continue living with mutual respect, regardless of race, religion, or political belief,” he added.

‘Malay first’ issue

Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh launched a strong critique against Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, following the latter’s statement that he has revised his 2010 “Malay first, Malaysian second” stance to emphasise that his coalition now represents all races.

“I am still Malay first before Malaysian, because that is my race which can't be changed before, now, and God willing forever," declared Akmal who is always at the forefront of issues related to race and religion.

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, who sparked the “Malay first or Malaysian first” debate over a decade ago, has now raised two additional questions - this time addressing Muhyiddin’s apparent shift in perspective.

“When did he change from being ‘Malay first, Malaysian second’ to ‘Malaysian first, Malay second’?” he asked.

“Is he willing to lead a campaign encouraging all Malaysians to identify themselves by nationality first, and ethnicity second?”

In response, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim turned the tables, questioning whether Lim would pose the same “Malay first or Malaysian first” question to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia belongs to all, not just Malays - DAP rep to Akmal

Akmal: I'm still Malay first, unlike power hungry Muhyiddin

Zaid presses Kit Siang: Same 'M'sian or Malay first' test for Anwar?

Lim tests Muhyiddin, asks if PN chief will lead 'Malaysian first' campaign