PBB Youth slams DAP leader over call for Nanta’s resignation

KUCHING (Feb 3): Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth Wing strongly condemned Democratic Action Party (DAP) Perak vice-chairman Dr Abdul Aziz Bari over his call for the resignation of PBB secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi from the federal cabinet.

In a statement, the wing described Abdul Aziz’s remarks as an attempt to silence or ridicule a Sarawak leader who has been vocal in defending the state’s rights.

It also criticised several media organisations for portraying Abdul Aziz merely as a ‘constitutional law expert’ without disclosing his political affiliation with DAP.

“This is deception and dishonesty. In fact, there is nothing constitutional, nor lawful or expertly said by the DAP Perak vice-chairman. It is all political in nature and intent, that much is clear,” the statement read.

PBB Youth Wing further rejected Abdul Aziz’s assertion that Nanta, as a federal cabinet minister, was bound by cabinet responsibility and should keep such sentiments to himself, questioning whether the DAP leader was similarly bound by party responsibility to deny or dilute Sarawak’s rights and voice.

“If that is the case, he is the one who should keep sentiments to himself.

“The frustration and frank remarks by the PBB secretary-general reflect Sarawak’s concern over its treatment by certain quarters in Malaya who are intent on challenging Sarawak’s rights,” it said, adding that Abdul Aziz’s comments exemplified the source of growing disenchantment among Sarawakians.

Noting that attacks on Sarawak’s rights have gained traction in recent months, the party youth wing urged critics and what it termed ‘armchair experts’ to study the state’s claims over its resources before making conclusions.

“Our claims, struggles and trepidations are based on legal principles and facts, and anchored in existing laws,” it said.

The wing also reaffirmed its solidarity and unity with Nanta and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in defending Sarawak’s rights in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1962, and both the Federal and Sarawak Constitutions.

Nanta has since 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 focus on harmony.

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general said his remarks should understood in context and not exploited as political polemics, adding that the expression was meant to encourage all parties to prioritise the country’s economic management and the well-being of the people.