Malaysians Can Learn From Sabah, Sarawak In Nation Building

KOTA MARUDU, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- After more than five decades of nationhood, Malaysians should not still be asking who has more rights to this country because they should already cast aside any differences, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said.

He said Malaysians should not be arguing about who came here first and who did not belong.

Such matters had already been addressed by the country's founding fathers and incorporated in the Federal Constitution, he said.

"Such unconstructive preoccupation will only hinder the nation's progress and way forward," said Ongkili, who is also Kota Marudu MP and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president.

"History binds us together. It should be the basis for us to find a common ground in charting our future as a nation, especially in our pursuit of a national transformation agenda. History should not be used to alienate each other.

"We must work together to make our country great rather than bicker about origins," he said in his speech at the district-level Independence Month celebration, here Tuesday.

Ongkili said Sabah and Sarawak were the best examples to follow for its people's unity and acceptance in diversity.

"The contentious argument pertaining to Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera is a non-issue in the two states. For example, Sabahans often forget about their own race as most can speak each others' languages, be it Kadazandusun, Brunei, Bajau, Sungei or Suluk," he said, adding that Malaysians can learn from Sabah and Sarawak's varied experiences in nation building and diversified races.

He pointed out that the high level of intermarriages in the two states had also helped to promote appreciation of each other's background, race, history and origins.

"Some races in Sabah and Sarawak do not know where they originated. Some were head hunters in the past. But these do not matter as they do not live in the past," he said.

Ongkili thus urged Malaysians to stop questioning one another's origins, saying, "It's time for us to take stock of our common ground."

"After 53 years, we should major on to what unites us rather than harp on things that are already spelt out in the Constitution.

"Our progress as a nation will be measured by our unity and bonds as Malaysians. When we fly our flag high as a united nation with a common interest, I believe we will be so much closer to achieving our Vision 2020," he said.