ONGKILI: One race-based statements would only bring Malaysia's nation-building journey backwards

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 6, 2019:

Malaysia is home for all Malaysians, regardless their race.

Pointing out Malaysia does not belong to the Malays only, Parti Bersatu Sabah President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili expressed disappointment that the minds of some quarters are still trapped in the pre-Malaysia era.

"I am shocked that 62 years after Malaya gained its independence, there are still groups who claim that this country belongs to one particular race only.

"This only proves that we are far a matured and developed nation," he said in response to the Malay Dignity Congress chief organiser Zainal Kling's opening speech where the latter stated that Malaysia is for Malays and reminded other communities of the social contract they have with Malays.

Ongkili stressed that Zainal must not be arrogant and claimed supremacy because non-Malays, particularly those from Sabah and Sarawak had also played their part to form Malaysia along with others in Malaya.

"Stop putting down other communities who helped build this nation.

"Where do you put the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak? We are all co-owners of this country too," stressed Ongkili, who is also the Kota Marudu Member of Parliament.

He noted that statements, such as that made by Zainal, would only put the nation-building journey backwards.

"Stop being arrogant and racially chauvinistic. It doesn't help to make Malaysia great!" Ongkili stressed.