KUALA LUMPUR – Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has clarified that his use of the term “divorce” during a podcast last week was a spontaneous expression and not politically motivated.
He stressed that the remark was meant to encourage all parties to cease disputes and work towards national unity.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general explained that his statement should not be taken literally or used for political polemics, Bernama reported.
“The term was intended to urge everyone to focus on improving the country’s economic management and the welfare of the people, not to create division,” Nanta said.
He further emphasised that he did not intend to suggest a literal ‘divorce’ and instead aimed to promote harmony, peace, and a focus on improving the lives of citizens.
“I also expressed my desire to protect Malaysia — that was the main message.
However, some have chosen to emphasise other aspects. People are free to interpret it as they wish, and that’s part of freedom of speech,” he added.
Nanta, the Kapit Member of Parliament, addressed these clarifications during the handover ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the Sibu Prison Construction Project at the Public Works Department headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
His “divorce” comment, made during a podcast session with an English-language radio station, had sparked criticism from Sarawak political leaders and observers, who labelled it as inappropriate and unhelpful to the political discourse. – February 3, 2026