Nanta: Term ‘divorce’ used in podcast a spontaneous allusion, not politically motivated

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 3): Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has clarified that the term ‘divorce’ he used during a podcast last week was not politically motivated, but a spontaneous allusion intended to urge all parties to stop arguing and return to living in harmony.

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general said his remarks should be understood in their full context and not interpreted literally or exploited as political polemics.

He explained that the expression was meant as an allusion to encourage all parties to focus on improving the country’s economic management and the well-being of the people, rather than engaging in harmful disputes.

“I never intended to say that we want to ‘divorce’. It was merely an expression to call for harmony, peace and a focus on what can be done to improve the lives of the people.

“I also mentioned that I want to protect Malaysia…that was the main point. However, some chose to highlight other parts. Everyone is free to interpret it in their own way. That is freedom of speech,” he said.

He added that some had viewed his remarks as political capital, but stressed that he spoke spontaneously.

Nanta, who is the Kapit MP, said this when responding to criticism of the ‘divorce’ remark. He was met at the handover ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the Sibu Prison Construction Project at the Public Works Department headquarters here today.

Recently, during a podcast session published by an English-language radio station, Nanta used the term ‘divorce’ while discussing Sarawak’s position within Malaysia.

The statement drew criticism from several Sarawak political leaders and political observers, who described it as inappropriate and unconstructive.