Malaysia is still grappling with the concept of unity after 60 years, says Alexander Nanta

SHAH ALAM – Despite celebrating six decades since the formation of Malaysia this year, the question of unity is still being debated in present time.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi expressed his disappointment that there was still a need to foster the feelings of togetherness and belonging today.

He said with 60 years behind us, the concept of unity ought to have become a natural and granted aspect of our society but the presence of National Unity Ministry suggest otherwise.

“We should be very happy, celebrating something that we have established 60 years ago and we should be very happy to see the situation as a nation.

“However, if you are asking me, there’s much too many things that have messed up. I must be very frank, because I would expect more and I would expect that Malaysia by now would not have to grapple with the concept of unity,” he told Sinar Daily.

Nanta said this during a special podcast collaboration with Bual Studio and Reka Sounds for Merdeka and Malaysia Day titled "From Malaya to Malaysia: 60 Years" for the month of September.

At this juncture, he said the nation’s discourse should ideally revolve around the strength of our unity, assuming that we have already achieved a state of cohesion.

“However, I do not lose hope because I think there is still lots of room we can improve to ensure that the nations fully united, and even if it is not fully united - we can be in a situation were we are much happier.

“In Sarawak, we have been widely known to be a harmonious state and regarded as an example - I take that with pride, we learn and look at the overall situation in the country and even more so now, we need to be united and be in harmony.

“With that, the government and leaders can focus on something more important such as developing the state properly, focus on the economic progress and welfare of the people,” he said, adding that there were lots of things that needs to be achieved and deliver.

Nanta said there has been development over the past 60 years in Sarawak but there can be more as it was yet to be completed.

“We do have physical development but it is not enough, that is why you will hear the same from both the opposition and government, we need more roads, educational facilities, medical facilities,” he said.

During the podcast, Nanta had also suggested that Sarawak might want to explore the idea of introducing its own independent currency amidst the less favourable economic landscape.

Anticipate four more episodes of From Malaya to Malaysia in-depth discussion surrounding politics, economy, heritage as well as sports and the entertainment industry, with host Athira Aminudin.