KUCHING: There is no need for Sarawakians to get involved in any international conflicts, although Sarawak can show compassion to the victims of war through international donations.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Women chief, Kho Teck Wan said this in support of Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s stance that Sarawak need not accept refugees from Palestine in order to avoid elements that can potentially create divisiveness among Sarawakians.
“Although Sarawak may be classified as high income state by the World Bank, our priority should be on increasing the household income and taking care of the wellbeing of Sarawakians.
“We shall stay focussed on developing Sarawak through Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s Post-Covid Development Strategies 2030 (PCDS2030),” she said in a statement.
Kho added that United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh should respect Sarawak’s immigration rights to reject unwanted visitors.
She said Muhamad Akmal should instead apologise to Nanta for asking the federal minister to retract his statement on the issue.
Earlier, Nanta stated that Sarawak need not accept refugees especially those from countries that are noted for violence and torn by anger and hatred.
“Prevention is better than cure (because) we do not want to regret in the future.
“We are just a small state, we cannot be burdened by refugees. We still have many poor people of our own who need our full attention and care,” he said.
