KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — A Sabahan leader has today urged the East Malaysian diaspora in Peninsular Malaysia to “vote down” parties known for promoting what he called “Malayan colonialism” in the upcoming six state elections.
Tuaran MP Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said that secularism and multi-ethnic Malaysia are at risk at the hands of those he dubbed “Malayan extremists” such as former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and caretaker Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
“Diasporic Sabahans and Sarawakians who are registered voters in the six states, please come out to vote on August 12 to say ‘No’ loud and clear to parties promoting Malayan colonialism, imperialism and bigotry.
“Only ballots can teach extremists like Sanusi and Hadi to stop dividing Malaysians and demonising non-Muslims,” he said in a statement.
The call was one of the three suggestions Tangau gave today for Malaysians to adopt to protect and reshape Malaysia, to bring to life the original multi-ethnic, multi-faith and liberal federation envisioned by the forefathers.
Speaking to East Malaysian politicians, he said they must take a clear stand against such tactics, singling out Sarawak state youth, sports and entrepreneur development minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah for declaring it was “impossible” for Gabungan Parti Sarawak to work with Dr Mahathir after the latter stated that promoting a multi-ethnic country went against the Federal Constitution.
“Such a principled stand should be emulated by all Borneo parties that still remain quiet. Such rejection of Malayan extremists can be extended beyond Dr Mahathir to all parties and politicians that attack Malaysia’s multicultural and Westminster heritage,” he said.
Tangau also called on Perikatan Nasional MPs for Beluran, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, and Saratok, Datuk Ali Biju, to be a representative voice of Borneo for Malaysia in their party and coalition.
He also said that voters needed to speak up in defence of Malaysia as a multi-ethnic and multi-faith federation against messages of internal colonialisation.
In the statement, Tangau also labelled Dr Mahathir, Abdul Hadi and Sanusi as “Malayan extremists” who are trying to revert Malaysia to the mono-ethnic, pre-colonial Tanah Melayu.
He accused the trio of wishing that the country has none of its modern Federal Constitution and common laws, in addition to the non-existence of Penang as a state.
Dr Mahathir, Abdul Hadi and Sanusi were among the politicians currently being investigated for stoking racial flames with their remarks ahead of the six state elections next month.
