Louis Jampi
MIRI (May 22): Democracy is strengthened, not weakened, by differing opinions and checks and balances, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sibuti chief Louis Jampi.
He said a healthy democracy depends on openness to differing voices and accountability.
“Democracy does not become weak because of differing voices. Instead, it becomes stronger through differences in opinion and checks and balances,” he said in a statement.
Louis was responding to remarks by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who recently urged Sarawakians to reject what he described as ‘toxic politics’ from Peninsular Malaysia.
According to Louis, while Dr Sim’s statement may sound patriotic, Sarawakians should assess the issue more openly and maturely.
He said toxic politics could also emerge within Sarawak when leaders attempt to silence criticism, reject the role of the opposition and discourage democratic competition.
“Sarawak’s strength all this while has been its diversity, moderation and unity among races and religions, not fear of differing views,” he said.
Louis added that rejecting all political parties from Peninsular Malaysia was not the solution to the country’s current political landscape.
Instead, he said the more important question was whether political parties genuinely fight corruption, defend Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, develop rural areas fairly and champion the people regardless of background.
“If Sarawak truly wants to become stronger, we should not isolate ourselves politically. We need to build a mature political culture where leaders are accountable, the opposition is respected, and policies are debated openly,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president, made the remarks during his winding-up speech for the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government during the just-concluded State Legislative Assembly sitting.
He was quoted as saying that Sarawakians must reject the toxic and unstable political culture taking place at the national level.
According to Dr Sim, the increasingly uncertain political situation in Peninsular Malaysia could result in a General Election being held earlier than the next Sarawak State Election.
“So let’s reject West Malaysia’s toxic cultures, chaotic politics and all Malayan political parties from Sarawak,” he was quoted as saying.
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