KUCHING: The notion put forth by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan to establish a government without involving non-Malay political parties has been labelled as unworkable and out of touch.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of such an idea due to Malaysia’s diverse ethnic and religious composition.
“The idea (concept of a government excluding non-Malay parties) wouldn’t be practical at the federal level, let alone in Sarawak.”
He underlined the importance of respecting varying viewpoints, which he deemed indicative of a thriving democracy in the country.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, was speaking to the media here after attending a meeting with the Sarawak Youth Development Committee on today (Aug 18).
The proposal had earlier been put forth by a coalition of Muslim NGOs in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Borneo activists, however, dismissed the idea as detached from political reality.
Peter John Jaban, spokesperson for the Global Human Rights Federation of Malaysia, noted in a joint statement that for such a proposition to take shape, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would need to officially conclude, potentially allowing Sarawak and Sabah to exit the Malaysian federation. This would theoretically enable Peninsular Malaysia to chart its own course.
On a separate note, Abdul Karim discussed various initiatives presented to him by agencies and departments under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development.
He highlighted the rebranding of the youth programme “Rakan Muda” under the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports. “The programme is set to roll out soon in parts of the state, and we hope for strong participation from the youth.”
Abdul Karim also addressed law enforcement efforts, mentioning that the police shared data on youth-involved criminal cases, including drug-related, sexual assault, and scam cases.
He praised the police’s focus on youth development, recognising the pivotal role young individuals play in the progress of both the state and the nation.
The press conference also saw the presence of Deputy Minister Dr Ripin Lamat, permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick, and other guests.
