Why does the Coalition of Sarawak Parties view the Umno-PAS alliance as a threat?

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The Coalition of Sarawak Parties Views the Umno-PAS Alliance as a Threat Due to its Perceived Malay-Centric Nature and Potential to Undermine the Nation's Multiracial Fabric.

The Coalition of Sarawak Parties (GPS) perceives the alliance between Umno and PAS as a significant threat, primarily because it is seen as a liability to the ruling coalition's existing multiracial support base. This alignment is viewed as jeopardising the future of governance in a country like Malaysia, which is fundamentally multiracial and cannot be dominated by a single race. The emphasis is on the necessity of coalitions formed on inclusive principles for effective governance, and a single-race pact is considered detrimental to this objective.
Concerns Over a Single-Race Political Dominance

Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom, vice-president of GPS, articulated that Malaysia's multiracial composition means no single race can hold exclusive political control. He stressed that governing effectively necessitates forming coalitions, and an Umno-PAS merger as a single-race party would consequently jeopardise the future political landscape. This perspective highlights a deep-seated concern that such an alliance fundamentally conflicts with the nation's demographic reality and the principles of inclusive governance.
Undermining the Multiracial Fabric of Malaysia

The Umno-PAS alignment has been explicitly criticised by Sarawak's political leaders as a threat to national progress. The concern is that such a coalition, by its very nature, would "tear into the country’s multiracial fabric." This implies a fear that a focus on a singular ethnic identity in politics could exacerbate divisions and undermine the social cohesion built upon Malaysia's diverse communities.
Perceived Malay-Centric Shift by Umno

A significant factor contributing to GPS's apprehension is the perception that Umno has become overly Malay-centric, making it less suitable for Sarawak's diverse communities. Political analyst Jeniri Amiri pointed out that non-Malays constitute the majority in Sarawak. Consequently, for GPS's political survival and to cater to its electorate, maintaining a distance from Umno and PAS is considered a strategic imperative.
GPS's Commitment to a Multiracial Stance

In response to these concerns, GPS has affirmed its intention to maintain a multiracial stance through its coalition-building efforts. This commitment underscores their strategy to remain inclusive and representative of the diverse populations within Sarawak and, by extension, Malaysia. The coalition's independent political bloc status, formed after leaving Barisan Nasional, allows them to pursue alliances that align with their multiracial principles.

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Why does the Coalition of Sarawak Parties view the Umno-PAS alliance as a threat?

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