KUCHING, Feb 1 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan has come to the defence of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary general Alexander Nanta Linggi against criticism by a Perak DAP leader over remarks uttered during a recent interview with a private radio station.
Voon Lee Shan: What Nanta articulated reflects the life experience of many Sarawakians who feel short-changed in development, autonomy, and respect
He said that Nanta did not breach the Federal Constitution, nor did he disclose cabinet deliberations, classified information, or confidential cabinet papers.
“His remarks were an expression of political frustration and public sentiment, particularly those long felt by the people of Sarawak after more than six decades within the Federation of Malaysia,” he said when responding to a statement by Aziz Bari, a constitutional lawyer and an exco member in the Perak state government.
Voon, who is also a senior practising lawyer, said Nanta spoke as a Sarawakian leader who understands the ground realities, emotions, and grievances of his people.
“What he articulated reflects the life experience of many Sarawakians who feel short-changed in development, autonomy, and respect, despite Sarawak being a founding partner of Malaysia under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.
He emphasised that voicing dissatisfaction or urging reflection on unresolved federal-state issues does not amount to sedition, nor does it automatically violate collective cabinet responsibility.
He stressed that ministers are not stripped of their conscience, identity, or responsibility to their constituents simply by virtue of holding office.
He added democratic governance allows for honest discourse, especially when such discourse aims to strengthen the federation through reform and fairness.
Voon warned that to suggest resignation merely because a minister acknowledges deep-rooted grievances risks silencing legitimate concerns and further alienating Sarawakians.
“Such an approach does not promote unity, instead it suppresses dialogue,” he added.
He also reminded all parties that Sarawak’s position in Malaysia is founded on partnership, not subordination, adding that persistent political pressure, dismissive attitudes, and failure to address long-standing issues will only deepen public frustration.
“On the ground, PBK observes rising anger and disillusionment among Sarawakians. This sentiment should not be ignored or trivialised,” Voon warned.
He said Nanta’s remarks should be understood as a wake-up call, not an act of defiance, adding if Malaysia is to remain strong and united, it must be built on mutual respect, constitutional fairness, and sincere commitment to resolving grievances — not on threats, moral lectures, or political intimidation.
In a statement published in the news portal Scoop, Aziz Bari has called for Nanta’s resignation as the Works Minister after making “public statements that breach the principle of collective cabinet responsibility”.
Aziz said a cabinet minister cannot openly express views that contradict cabinet solidarity, stressing that ministers are bound by Article 43(3) of the Federal Constitution and long-established conventions under the Westminster system.
Aziz, who is also DAP’s Tebing Tinggi state assemblyman and Perak DAP vice chairman, said that if Nanta wished to make his views public, the proper course was to first step down from the cabinet, describing this as a constitutional requirement rather than a discretionary choice
On Thursday, when speaking in a radio interview with BFM 89.9, Nanta had used the word “divorce” when voicing frustration over “bickering” on political issues, noting the harmonious way Sarawak dealt with race, religion and politics, while politicians in the peninsular were prone to “quarrelling”.
“I want Malaysia to go on as a Malaysia that is progressive and people live in harmony. Is that too much to ask for? But I’m worried. I’m worried if we continue to quarrel over everything then don’t blame us, don’t blame Sarawakians. If you don’t like us, divorce us.”
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