As political tensions and ideological divisions continue to intensify in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak Premier and Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has issued a strong reminder that Sarawak must remain protected from the “chaotic culture” emerging in West Malaysia.
The chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) stressed that the coalition would continue serving as a political fortress against divisive politics and instability that could threaten the harmony and progress long enjoyed by the state.
Speaking during a gathering with GPS state assembly backbenchers recently, Abang Johari warned that the current developments in Peninsular Malaysia should not be taken lightly. Although he did not specifically elaborate on the “problems” he referred to, his remarks are widely seen as an indirect criticism of the increasingly polarised political climate in the peninsula, where racial narratives, religious tensions, party fragmentation, and leadership struggles have become recurring themes in national politics.
“Looking at the situation in the peninsula, there are problems now. If the country is chaotic, we will have problems,” he said, according to reports.
His statement reflects growing concerns among East Malaysian leaders that the toxic political culture often associated with West Malaysian politics could eventually influence Sarawak’s relatively stable political landscape. Over the years, Sarawak has positioned itself as a more moderate and pragmatic region politically, often prioritising economic development, infrastructure, and inter-ethnic cooperation over ideological confrontation.
Under GPS, Sarawak has steadily strengthened its political autonomy while maintaining a carefully balanced relationship with the federal government. The coalition’s leadership style - centred on consensus-building and regional interests - has helped the state avoid much of the intense political turmoil experienced at the federal level over the past decade.
Abang Johari’s remarks also signal GPS’s determination to preserve Sarawak’s unique political identity ahead of future national political realignments. With federal politics becoming increasingly unstable and coalition governments often facing internal conflicts, Sarawak’s role as a kingmaker in Putrajaya has grown significantly stronger.
At the same time, his comments may resonate strongly among Sarawakians who fear that divisive race-and-religion politics from the peninsula could undermine the multicultural harmony that has long defined the Bornean state.
For many in Sarawak, political stability is not merely about maintaining power - it is closely tied to economic confidence, investor trust, and social unity. GPS understands that any spillover of extreme political culture could threaten not only governance but also the state’s long-term development ambitions.
Abang Johari’s message therefore appears clear: while Peninsular Malaysia wrestles with political uncertainty and growing polarisation, Sarawak intends to remain a state of stability - and GPS sees itself as the shield protecting it.
By: Kpost
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