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.
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