Politics in a democracy ultimately concerns the power to govern. It is a game of numbers. Without majority support, no political party can form a government, and without forming a government, there is no power to implement policies or bring meaningful change to the people.
A party that cannot secure sufficient support in the legislature cannot effectively serve the public—it merely occupies seats without the power to bring progress.
We must face the reality that no single race can govern Sarawak on its own.
For Sarawak to move forward, politics must be based on the shared interests of all Sarawakians, rather than narrow racial agendas. A party that limits its support to only one race will ultimately struggle to gain the numbers needed to form a government. By doing so, it risks misleading the very community it claims to represent. True leadership is not about exploiting racial sentiments; it is about building a broad coalition that reflects the diversity and shared aspirations of our people.
In a democratic society, support cannot be forced. You cannot point a gun to force the people—or even your own race—to vote for you.
Voters make their choices freely. While some political systems rely on short-term tactics—such as patronage, handouts of cash or goods, or material incentives—to gain support, such as distributing free beer and wine or free lunch boxes, these approaches do not build a sustainable future. They merely address hunger temporarily—a short-term relief for pain—like a painkiller rather than a real cure. Such practices may eventually lead to more serious abuses of power to satisfy the appetite for power of those who “feed” the people. The people of Sarawak are certainly not beggars; they deserve far better.
The people of Sarawak deserve politics based on dignity, accountability, and long-term development, not politics based on temporary rewards.
Even in constituencies where one ethnic group forms the majority, there is no guarantee that votes will go to a single candidate. Often, several candidates from the same community contest the election, splitting the vote. For example, in constituencies dominated by Chinese voters, your party may want to field a Chinese candidate, but your competitor will certainly also field a Chinese candidate to challenge you and prevent your victory. The same applies in areas dominated by Dayak or Malay voters.
This reality proves that racial politics alone cannot guarantee victory. What unites voters is not race, but shared goals: economic opportunities, better infrastructure, quality education, and a fair government that serves everyone.
Therefore, Parti Bumi Kenyalang believes that the only meaningful “race card” in Sarawak is the Sarawakian identity. Regardless of whether we are Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Chinese, Orang Ulu, or any other community, we are first and foremost Sarawakians. Our strength lies in our unity, diversity, and the homeland we share.
History has shown that race-based politics often becomes a tool of division. It repeats the old colonial mentality of “divide and rule”—an outdated approach that weakens society by pitting communities against one another. Such politics distracts from the real issues such as economic justice, fair management of resources, and the rights and welfare of all people.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang calls on all Sarawakians to reject divisive racial politics and embrace a new political culture based on unity, justice, and common purpose. Our agenda is simple: to serve all Sarawakians, protect Sarawak’s rights and resources, and build a future where every community prospers together.
Let us move forward not as competing races, but as one people with a shared identity — the Sarawakian nation.
Voon Lee Shan
PARTI BUMI KENYALANG President
7 March 2026
