KUCHING: Malaysia must move forward in the right direction following the recently-concluded six state elections, says a Sarawak minister.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he was concerned by the "unhealthy" voting trend in the polls.
"We have to respect the decision of voters, but the trend of voting was along a line that is not very healthy.
"It is important for the government of the day, at federal level and in the six states, to understand the signal that voters have sent and try to ensure that Malaysia will move forward in the right direction and not in a divisive way," he told reporters after launching the What About Kuching Festival's call for proposals here on Tuesday (Aug 15).
In Saturday's (Aug 12) state polls, the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional pact won in Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan while Perikatan Nasional won in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
Abdul Karim also said Sarawak was blessed not to face problems of divisiveness among the people.
"However, we should also look at the signal from voters and see how to formulate our policies and continue to harmonise our society.
"I also hope the people of Sarawak will appreciate what our government has done and will not be influenced by politics in other parts of Malaysia," he said.
Abdul Karim added that Sarawak was fortunate to have leaders who were understanding and tolerant of those from other religions.
"If we keep going this way, we will be the ones that others will look to as a model," he said.
