SUPP Youth: DAP Perak’s call for Nanta to resign exposes double standard on free speech

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 4: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Youth Central has expressed surprise and disappointment over Democratic Action Party (DAP) Perak vice chairman Dr Abdul Aziz Bari’s call for the resignation of Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, saying it was unexpected for a leader from a party long associated with championing freedom of expression to appear uncomfortable when that same freedom is exercised by others.

In a statement today, SUPP Youth Central criticised Abdul Aziz’s call for Nanta, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general, to step down from his federal cabinet post following remarks he made in a recent radio interview.

SUPP Youth Central said Nanta, who is also Works Minister, was exercising his constitutional right to express his views, a freedom guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

“The remarks reflected the genuine sentiments and perspectives of Sarawakians, particularly in addressing and correcting inaccurate national narratives surrounding Sarawak’s pursuit and safeguarding of its rights,” the statement said.

The youth wing said it was perplexing that a leader from DAP, a party historically vocal on freedom of speech, would react negatively when such freedom was exercised within constitutional limits.

According to SUPP Youth Central, Nanta’s statements did not breach any provision of the Federal Constitution and instead reaffirmed Sarawak’s continued commitment to playing a constructive and responsible role in nation-building.

“For far too long, national narratives on Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) have been lacking, misunderstood, or inaccurately framed. His (Nanta) remarks served as a necessary reminder of issues and sentiments deeply felt by the people of Sarawak,” it said, adding that while the truth may be inconvenient to some, it remained the truth.

SUPP Youth Central reiterated that the pursuit and safeguarding of Sarawak’s rights have always been carried out in accordance with the Federal Constitution, the MA63, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and Sarawak’s laws.

“We stand firmly with our leaders in GPS in upholding these principles,” the statement said.

The youth wing also urged Sarawakians to remain united and to reject inaccurate narratives intended to undermine Sarawak’s rights and autonomy. — DayakDaily