BY JAMES WONG & NURA V LORNA
KUCHING: Sarawak’s unique identity, built upon inclusivity and cooperation, must be preserved, said political analyst James Chin.
“Pre-Malaysia, race was not a significant factor in political interactions,” said Chin, highlighting Sarawak’s history of unity.
“In Sarawak, where no single race dominates, everyone must work together.”
He contrasted this with Peninsular Malaysia, where racial and religious divides often influence politics.
“Up to the 70s, racial sentiment was not strong in Sarawak,” he said during a forum titled Sarawak’s Role in Nation Building, hosted by Sarawak Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Commissioner Dr John Chew Chee Ming at MBKS Auditorium on Friday (Dec 20).
“Non-Iban and non-Dayak leaders could win in Iban-majority areas. This is becoming increasingly difficult.”
Chin urged Sarawakians to actively nurture this inclusive identity, warning against falling prey to divisive narratives prevalent elsewhere in the country.
“Playing the race card plays into their game,” he said.
“A strong Sarawakian identity is crucial.”
He expressed concern over the lack of a clear definition of Sarawakian identity and the marginalisation of Sabah and Sarawak’s history in school curricula.
“A people without knowledge of their past are like a tree without roots,” he added, emphasising the need to integrate Sabah and Sarawak’s history and culture into the national narrative.
