By Datuk Henrynus Amin
President, Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri)
KOTA KINABALU — Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri) warmly welcomes the recent remarks made by UMNO Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (Tok Mat) during the UMNO General Assembly, where he reaffirmed UMNO’s position as a dedicated centrist and moderate party committed to taking the middle path.
As a political party based in Sabah, Anak Negeri views this progressive positioning as a vital and encouraging step forward for national politics.
Anak Negeri noted that Tok Mat made it clear that UMNO rejects political extremes and that the party’s ideology is anchored in balancing ideas without leaning to the left or right, ensuring that its politics do not cause anxiety among non-Malays or East Malaysians.
In light of this, the party noted that recent satirical jokes by the Sepang UMNO Divisional Chief are merely a distraction.
”The joke with a religious tone does not reflect the official, moderate stance of UMNO on religious issues,” said Anak Negeri President Datuk Henrynus Amin in a statement.
Furthermore, Anak Negeri stated that Tok Mat’s speech provided valuable clues regarding UMNO’s future coalition partners, reinforcing his strict condition for prospective alliances: allies must accept this moderate, middle-ground approach and cannot impose conservative or radical ideologies onto the party.
This principled framework provides a reassuring foundation for a harmonious, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious Malaysia.
Malaysia’s future relies heavily on political maturity and a collective rejection of divisive, extremist narratives. Sabah has long cherished its unique culture of religious tolerance and social harmony.
When national leaders openly embrace a centrist, moderate approach, it reinforces the fabric of our multicultural society, recognizing Malaysia as a home for all communities, not just the Malays, and ensuring that no community is sidelined.
Anak Negeri also echoes Tok Mat’s sentiment regarding sincere political cooperation. True collaboration across political divides must be rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a genuine dedication to the welfare of the rakyat rather than mere political expediency.
We hope to see this moderate vision translated into concrete, inclusive policies that uphold the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), safeguard the rights of all citizens, and foster genuine unity from Perlis to Sabah and Sarawak.
