BETONG: Three Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state leaders have condemned the action of a candidate in the Betong parliamentary constituency who allegedly stoked the flame of racial politics in his attempt to fish for votes among the Malays here.
The GPS leaders are Saribas assemblyman Mohd Razi Sitam, Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, and Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
The trio were joining GPS’ new candidate for Betong parliamentary seat Dr Richard Rapu on his second and final campaigning rounds, visiting Kampung Belingan and Kampung Sebemban in Spaoh earlier today (Nov 15).
At both functions, all three spoke against the dangers of racial politics in a multi-racial multi-religious society like Sarawak.
In calling the voters to reject such politics, Mohd Razi said GPS offers them the best platform to further strengthen their unity.
“We have multi-racial leaders in GPS and they have not only complemented but augmented each other’s efforts in the nation building process perfectly.
“For Sarawak to continue developing, our unity, harmony and stability are the crucial pre- requisites,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim in his speech said exploiting racial issues was like playing with fire.
“When it gets out of control, it can be very disastrous. We need to treasure and nurture the strong racial and religious ties that we have enjoyed all this while.
“This is a privilege unique to us in the country. Let us not be influenced by an obnoxious political style brought in from outside the state,” he said.
Fazzrudin in his speech said there were about 30 different ethnic groups in Sarawak and all had been living together in perfect harmony and unity.
“But I am sad to note that there is a move to use racial issues in fishing for votes in Betong. This is not only irresponsible but very dangerous too. If people are not careful, they can be impacted negatively.
“Let us all nip this in the bud for this unhealthy development. The GPS will fight any effort to wreck Sarawak racial and religious harmony and unity,” he pointed out.
The trio also said although Betong parliamentary constituency comprising the state constituencies of Layar, Bukit Saban and Saribas has been a traditional fortress for the government, they were not leaving anything to chance.
“As our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had said he wanted as many GPS representatives in the parliament, and we want to ensure this,” Ibrahim added.
On Dr Richard’s candidacy, all three agreed he is the best man for the job given his wide experience as a political secretary at both federal( May 2008 to May 2016) and at state (from 2016 onwards) levels, his qualification as a trained veterinarian and as a businessman.
There are altogether about 200 longhouses and 24 Malay villages beside the sprinkling of Chinese households but mainly in town areas.
