The commission should be modelled after a similar body in South Africa, Baru Bian said.

“This will be a positive step in the way forward for us,” he said in a statement.

The truth and reconciliation commission was a court-like body set up in 1996 after the end of apartheid in South Africa.

It was authorised by then president Nelson Mandela and chaired by Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu.

Apart from corruption and the economic hardship faced by the people, Baru said the chasm that divided the people of different races and religions was worrying.

The former works minister said the unity and harmony of the people had been affected by self-serving politicians who played the racial and religious cards to gain support.

“It is now time for our nation to heal. It is time for people in this country to reconcile and be more accepting of one another.”

Baru hailed DAP’s chairman Lim Guan Eng and secretary-general Loke Siew Fook for apologising for past actions which had offended Sarawakians.

He also praised Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg for accepting the apology.

“This should be the model that we must build on moving forward.”