Dexter Lau Urges Unity and Rational Dialogue, Warns Against Politicising Race in Sabah

21 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The President of the Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah, Datuk Dexter Lau, has called on all parties not to politicise racial issues, stressing that the priority at this juncture is to foster mutual understanding among Sabah’s diverse communities and to work together in building the state.

Responding to remarks by GRS Deputy Secretary-General and Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who explained that “the Chinese community did not oppose the ruling coalition and its allies, but that GRS did not contest in Chinese-majority constituencies” as well as to concerns raised by various state and national leaders over the relatively low number of Chinese representatives in the Sabah state government, Lau urged the public to view the matter with greater maturity, rationality and a forward-looking mindset.

In this regard, he revealed that MCCC Sabah will submit proposals to Sabah’s newly appointed Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk James Ratib, as well as to the Federal Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek. The proposals aim to introduce more systematic and institutional approaches to deepen non-Chinese youths’ understanding of Chinese culture, historical background and ways of thinking.

He expressed hope that these initiatives would not only help address any potential future shortfall of Chinese elected representatives, but would also systematically nurture the next generation with broader, multicultural perspectives—equipping them to understand and care for the Chinese community while serving society as a whole, and to contribute collectively to Sabah’s development.

At the same time, he said he hoped that under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, education and training for existing non-Chinese state assemblymen and community leaders would be further strengthened, enhancing their capacity to serve the Chinese community more effectively.

This, he said, would enable policies to be formulated and implemented in a more inclusive manner, benefiting both the Chinese community and society at large.

“This is not about seeking any special treatment, but about ensuring that those entrusted with governance responsibilities have a more comprehensive understanding of Sabah’s truly multicultural society,” he said.

He added that such efforts reflect Sabah’s long-cherished core value of “One Sabah”. Regardless of race or religion, everyone lives and strives on the same land; diversity, he said, is not a source of division, but the foundation of unity and mutual complementarity.

“This may well be a sign that it is time for us to learn from one another, understand one another, and share experiences and values as we move forward together,” he said.

Lau also urged the Chinese community to place trust in non-Chinese elected representatives across constituencies, including those elected with the support of Chinese voters, and to move away from the mindset of “Chinese looking after Chinese, Malays looking after Malays, or indigenous communities looking after only their own”. Instead, he said, the Chinese community should be open and give these representatives the opportunity to serve and care for them. As long as needs and concerns are communicated clearly and rationally, such representatives have both the responsibility and the capacity to serve all constituents.

On another front, Dexter strongly encouraged the Chinese community to actively join the civil service, while urging the government to be more proactive in recruiting Chinese Malaysians into the public sector, particularly the civil service, and to provide capable individuals with opportunities for advancement and senior appointments.

This, he said, would ensure that diverse voices are represented in a more balanced, sustainable and institutionalised manner within the administrative system.

“Caring for the people is not the responsibility of elected representatives alone. A professional, efficient and diverse civil service can also play a critical and far-reaching role in day-to-day governance,” he added.

He further noted that as mutual understanding deepens, non-Chinese communities would gain a better appreciation of the Chinese way of life, cultural values and strengths, while Chinese-owned and Chinese-backed businesses, including those driven by non-Bumiputera groups, would enjoy broader growth opportunities.

“Only through mutual trust, mutual learning and joint efforts can Sabah move forward steadily and go further,” he said.

Dexter also described the current period as an important opportunity for Sabah to proactively deepen engagement and cooperation with the Consulate-General of China in Kota Kinabalu, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, and relevant Chinese government agencies.

Such cooperation, he said, could support cultural understanding, educational exchanges and talent development, thereby strengthening social trust and institutional capacity.

He said this would further enhance friendship and partnership between Sabah and China, while sending a clear signal to the international community that Sabah welcomes Chinese investment, as well as quality investments and business cooperation from around the world.

“As this model of trust and cooperation takes root, I believe other countries will follow suit by sending representatives to help Sabah build stronger human capital and resources,” he said.

He emphasised that these initiatives are not political manoeuvres, but an integral part of nation-building.

Dexter stressed that changes in political structures do not equate to the rejection of any race. More importantly, he said, society should remain focused on continuing to build Sabah, safeguarding the people’s well-being, and ensuring steady progress within the existing framework.