Sarawak since it nationhood in 1841 is a democratic, secular state of law with a historic, deep-rooted and wealthy culture dating back more than 175 years, the continuation of numerous regional division established in a swathe of territory extending from Kuching to the interior reaching as far as Kapit and Lawas region.
Two great states founded by our nation, the Sarawak Government (1841-2014) and Malaysia federation (1963-2014), became models for the world. With its unbounded tolerance and love, it adopted the principle of Peace in the Homeland, Peace in the Federation, on matters such as liberty, human rights and justice. The Sarawak nation want peace, tranquility and love in the world.
Of course, like many other states, our Sarawak naion and Malaysia federation has overcome hard times and has undergone intense struggles for democracy. The Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition administration is in its 50th year, and the transition to a multiparty democracy has yet to be fully established. As of 2008, the aftermath of General Election 13, the country has been enjoying a new spring and is governed according to the legal and democratic norms in the principle of two-party system. The Malaysian spring on 2013, aftermath of General Election 14 with its pluralist democracy, is reflected in the parliament and local administrations with substantial majorities' votes in the elections have been achieve by opposition front of Pakatan Rakyat and United Borneo Front.
An environmental rearrangement scheduled for dam construction, Native Customary Rights (NCR) land development turned into a protest action for reasons such as the lack of proper public relations works, the planned project not being submitted for the approval of the residents of the village, city and some of our citizens not regarding the steps being taken as acceptable. Our valuable young people making use of their democratic right to protest freely were exposed to a mistaken and harsh attitude on the part of the police in the first days of the protests.
In brief, no action using terror and violence, that raises tensions in Sarawak and the entire Malaysia federation and that damages public order and peace is acceptable in this country, as it would not be in any other democratic country.
Sarawakian young people with sincere environmental beliefs involved in the dam construction protest, fine young people, young people with broad horizons, intelligent young people, these are Sarawakian people. They have a modern conception of religious harmony. They are against extremism and bigotry. They are ultra modern. Sarawakian are people of love. They are compassionate, they feel affection for dogs and cats and trees, and feel sorry for the poor. They enhance their own culture. They are kind and respectful toward one another.
Sarawakian people attach great importance to these characteristics, liberty and democracy. The whole world knows this is what makes Sarawak as well as Sabah different from Malaya and other countries in the region. Indeed, is that not why the Western and Eastern world points to Sarawak as a role model for harmoniuos countries?
The verse of the Koran that reads "There is no compulsion in the religion" (2:256) shows that the faith foresees the most highly developed democracies.
In particular, the way for the democratic structure we all want to see to flourish for Sarawakian is for Sarawak to be progressive and enlightened character to be shown as a role model in the region.
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| Rajah Raqafluz (Pen name) is the admin for "STAR TODAY". Believe in STAR Sarawak and United Borneo Front (UBF), advocate of Borneo Agenda, Friends of the Trust and a firm follower of Harunyahya.
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