Not proper for Nanta to use the word "divorce" in discussions about Sarawak within Malaysia, says former Sabah CM

KOTA KINABAU, Jan 30 2026: Former Sabah Chief Minister Salleh Said Keruak does not think it is proper for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary general Alexander Nanta Linggi to use the word “divorce” in discussions about Sarawak’s place within Malaysia.

Salleh Said Keruak: Malaysia moves forward when leaders choose dialogue, respect, and reason over emotionally charged language. 

“The use of the word “divorce” is neither necessary nor constructive,” he said in his Facebook post today.

He said conversations on rights, autonomy, and the implementation of MA63 are not about rejection, but about shared responsibility to strengthen the federation.

He added differences in views and constructive criticism should be recognised as part of a healthy democracy, not misinterpreted as threats to unity.

Salleh said Malaysia moves forward when leaders choose dialogue, respect, and reason over emotionally charged language.

He added true unity is built not by silencing differences, but by addressing them with wisdom, balance, and a common purpose — to move Malaysia forward together.

In an interview with a  private radio station, Nanta, who is also Works Minister and Kapit MP, said had suggested that the endless quarrels and bickering in Malaya have become so pervasive that perhaps Sarawak and the rest of the country were “never meant to be one nation”, separated by the South China Sea for a reason.

Nanta said has much to learn from the Sarawak Formula, an approach to governance credited to the premier that prioritises racial and religious harmony alongside development.

“Before you learn the formula, you must understand the personality of our premier. “He’s very down to earth, visionary, and he doesn’t mince his words.

“He says things sincerely and does things sincerely. He understands how to keep harmony among Sarawak’s multicultural,multi-ethnic communities,” Nanta was quoted as saying.

Despite Sarawak’s complex demographics, where Dayaks and Chinese make up about 70 per cent of the population while Malays account for roughly 30 per cent.

 

 

 

SUPP Youth backs Nanta's forthright views on divisive politics and bickering in Malaya

KUCHING, Jan 30 2026: SUPP Youth Central (SYC) said it supported the forthright views expressed by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary general Alexander Nanta Linggi in a recent interview reaffirming Sarawak’s state-first approach. 

In a statement today, it asserted that safeguarding Sarawak’s autonomy has never meant undermining the federal government.

“Rather, it reflects the long-held sentiments of Sarawakians, and we hope our counterparts in Malaya will approach this matter with greater openness and understanding,” SYC said.

It added that the pursuit of Sarawak’s rights and autonomy has always been firmly anchored in the Federal Constitution, Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and relevant state laws.

“GPS leaders, under the leadership of Premier Abang Johari Openg have consistently upheld the foundational principle that Sarawak is one of the entities that formed Malaysia in 1963 together with the Federation of Malaya, Sabah, and Singapore—and must therefore be respected as an equal partner,” he stressed.

It added beyond constitutional matters, the Sarawak government has adopted inclusive and forward-looking policies with strong emphasis on education and economic development to build local talent and a resilient, sustainable economy.

“This commitment is clearly demonstrated through the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, which benefits all Anak Sarawak pursuing higher education at Sarawak’s four state-owned universities.

“In addition, Sarawak has taken bold and strategic steps in renewable energy development,” SYC said, noting that the recent Sarawak–Sabah Power Grid Interconnection marks a significant milestone, with Sarawak officially supplying electricity to Sabah as part of the emerging Borneo Power Grid.

It said such development positions Sarawak to play a larger and more meaningful role in regional energy cooperation and economic growth.

It also said that it rejects divisive politics and remain committed to build a united and harmonious society.

“The actions and policies of our leaders speak for themselves: a stronger and more resilient Sarawak has always contributed to a stronger Malaysia.

“Our sincerity in nation-building should never be doubted and taken for granted, even as we remain steadfast in safeguarding Sarawak’s constitutional rights,” SYC said.

In an interview with a  private radio station, Nanta, who is also Works Minister and Kapit MP, said had suggested that the endless quarrels and bickering in Malaya have become so pervasive that perhaps Sarawak and the rest of the country were “never meant to be one nation”, separated by the South China Sea for a reason.

Quoted by Dayak Daily news portal, Nanta said has much to learn from the Sarawak Formula, an approach to governance credited to the premier that prioritises racial and religious harmony alongside development.

“Before you learn the formula, you must understand the personality of our premier. He’svery down to earth, visionary, and he doesn’t mince his words.

“ He says things sincerely and does things sincerely. He understands how to keep harmony among Sarawak’s multicultural,multi-ethnic communities,” Nanta was quoted as saying.

Despite Sarawak’s complex demographics, where Dayaks and Chinese make up about 70 per cent of the population while Malays account for roughly 30 per cent.

 

Sibu Flood Mitigation Project consultants to undertake the RM2 billion Kuching Flood Mitigation project

SIBU, Jan 30 2026: The RM2 billion Kuching Flood Mitigation Project will be implemented by the consultants of the Sibu Flood Mitigation Project, Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian evealed, reflecting the Sarawak government's confidence in the capabilities and standards of implementation of the project.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says that the decision to engage the Sibu Flood Mitigation Project consultants  for the Kuching project was made by Premier Abang Johari Openg 

He said it was decided by Premier Abang Johari Openg following discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof recently.

According to him, the premier had specified appointing the consultants who handled the flood mitigation project in Sibu for the project in Kuching.

"This means that the premier sees the capabilities and standards of implementation of the flood mitigation project in Sibu to be on par with Kuching, and not the other way around," he said.

He said this when speaking at the handing over of appointment notices and certificates to 100 community leaders and village headmen in Sibu District.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), explained that the Kuching flood mitigation project is a large-scale project funded by the federal government and is crucial in ensuring the well-being and safety of the people of Sarawak.

He also said that the Sarawak government will expedite the development of satellite centres outside Kuching to ensure more comprehensive access to quality health services and public facilities throughout the state.

“After we have developed an advanced centre in Kuching, services will be expanded through satellite centres,” he said, explaining that this is the state government's approach to ensure that the people outside Kuching are also able to enjoy quality services.

Touching on the role of the community leaders and headmen, Dr Sim stressed that grassroots leaders act as the frontliners of the state government services at the grassroots level and play a key role as a liaison between the people and the government.

According to him, their appointments are not just a title, but a great responsibility in delivering government policies and addressing the people's issues on the ground.

"The appointments show that the government respects your roles. You are all true representatives of the Sarawak government and the frontliners of service to the people.

"When the frontliners faces problems, it is the people's problem. Therefore, the community leaders and headmen play an important role as a bridge between the people and the government," he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister and Pelawan AssemblymanMichael Tiang Ming Tee, Bukit Assek Assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek, Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohammad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu District Officer Tsong Chow Choon, Temenggong Stanley Gramong Bandar, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting and Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie.