The people in Sabah and Sarawak want secularism upheld as they pursue Borneo Rights for Independence!
PRESS STATEMENT . . . We, as activists from the Borneo Territories (Sabah & Sarawak), are compelled to express our deep concerns over the current direction of the Federation of Malaysia.
The democratic principles and the concept of a secular and multicultural union of four equal partners—Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, and Sarawak—which were held up as the founding terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63 if valid), have been systematically violated and destroyed.
It began before and after Singapore left the union in 1965, leading to what was now seen as 61 years of humiliation under the euphemism of “independence in Malaysia” with Malayan central control. This has raised questions on the legitimacy of Malaysia’s formation and MA’63 validity and unresolved issue of the Philippines’ claim on part of Sabah.
Sabah And Sarawak
We assert that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA’63), the international treaty that purportedly established Malaysia, was invalid from its inception. North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak were, at the time, still British crown colonies and not sovereign, independent states with the legal capacity to enter into binding international agreements. Thus, they were effectively ceded by the United Kingdom for the Malayan Federation on 16 September 1963.
It’s historical fact that Malaysia was prematurely proclaimed as de facto under state of emergency, without the informed consent of the people of North Borneo and Sarawak, and in breach of the Manila Accord 1963 on resolving the Philippines claim.
This process was inconsistent with the right on exercising self-determination freely. Malaysia was pushed through amidst mass arrests of thousands who were allegedly opposed.
61 years after the event, Malaysia has floundered and failed in the goal for peaceful and progressive democratic union by alteration on fundamental and foundational concept and principles, corroded by deep corruption and the plunder and impoverishment of the Borneo territories.
Borneo Rights Exist
We therefore assert that even if MA’63 was not invalid, it has been terminated and no longer binding on the remaining three component members by the following violations:
- Betrayal of MA’63’s Founding Principles
The Malaysia Agreement, which promised Malaysia grounded in secularism and multiculturalism and development for Sabah and Sarawak, has been corroded by increasingly exclusionary and Malay-centric policies. These violations betray the promises of MA’63 and special position under sunset clause, used by the British and Malayan governments for inducing the Borneo people of the diverse communities to give up real independence for “independence in Malaysia”. This deviation from foundational values was not just breach of the MA’63 covenant but profound injustice against the Sabah and Sarawak people.
- Systematic Marginalisation and Alienation
The apartheid-like policies emanating from the federal government since institutionalisation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) have fostered deep sense of estrangement among the people of Sabah and Sarawak. This growing alienation was reality echoed by political leaders who see their communities being marginalised and voices silenced. The disregard for the rights and dignity of these communities was stark reminder of the injustices perpetuated under the guise of national unity.
- Cultural Dominance and Suppression
The Peninsula’s imposition of a narrow, ideology-driven cultural hegemony threatens and suffocates the rich multiculturalism that Project Malaysia promised. The federal government’s relentless push for Malay-centric policies, including Bumiputera initiatives and a civil service aligned with the “Malay agenda,” was form of cultural suppression that stifles the diverse identities that is supposed to make up Malaysia. This cultural domination is an affront to the principles of freedom and justice enshrined by the 1945 UN Charter of Human Rights.
- Ideological Overreach and Religious Imposition
The people of Sabah and Sarawak view that the Federation of Malaya increasingly resembles an ideological state intent on imposing its version of religion and social order. This imposition was severe violation of human rights. It unjustly infringes upon right for living in accordance with values and beliefs, and it undermines the commitment for secular state.
- Ignoring Local Voices and Rights
The dominance of peninsula-based political parties has consistently sidelined the unique needs and voice of Sabah and Sarawak. Historical grievances, such as the manipulation of Sabah’s demographics and the undermining of local political agreements, have only deepened the sense of injustice felt by these communities. The systematic disregard for their autonomy and rights was clear violation of the principles of justice and fairness.
- Erosion of Constitutional Safeguards
Despite recent attempts for realigning the constitutional status of Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak, the centralist tendencies of Putrajaya weakens the original agreement, putting the integrity of Malaysia at risk. This erosion of constitutional safeguards was not just political issue but grave injustice that threatens the rights and freedoms of the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
- Exploitation of Resources for Oppression
The wealth generated from Sabah and Sarawak’s oil and gas resources has been expropriated for developing Malaya and fuelling the Putrajaya race-religion agenda, making the injustice even more painful and bitter. This exploitation was clear violation of the economic rights of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, contributing in the deep-seated resentment and desire for change.
- Rejection of JAKIM’s Overreach
We unequivocally reject the imposition of JAKIM’s influence in the former British Borneo Territories. This intrusion represents an unconstitutional and egregious assault on the secular values and cultural autonomy cherished by the indigenous ethnic tribes of Borneo. The imposition of extreme interpretation of religion under the guise of governance was direct attack on the freedom and rights of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, which we, as activists, cannot and will not tolerate.
A Call to Action: END 61 YEARS OF HUMILIATION!
We call for an end on the 61 years of humiliation in Malaysia. The ongoing and abusive violation of the principles enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA’63), coupled with the rise of the Ketuanan Melayu ideology, have irreparably fractured the concept of Malaysia. The federal government, disregarding the autonomy and rights of Sabah and Sarawak, has compelled call for peaceful negotiations for separation from Malaysia and independence.
This was not decision we make lightly, but the preservation of secularism, multiculturalism, and the rule of law was non-negotiable. The manner in which Malaysia has been governed has proven that it fails on respecting the rights and freedoms of all the people, without exception.
It was with profound sense of the loss of control over our destiny that we arrive at this critical juncture. The pursuit of justice, freedom, and dignity for the people of Sabah and Sarawak leaves us with no other viable path. Independence was now our only option for securing the future of our people deserve. Independence remains inalienable right! — NMH Admin
- Daniel John Jambun, President
Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo), United Kingdom and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah;
Common Interest Group Malaysia (CigMA)
Kota Kinabalu
+60 10-878 6993
2. Robert Pei, President Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)
3. Peter John Jaban, Publicity and Information Chief, Sarawak Association for People’s Aspirations (SAPA)
4. Dr Kanul Gindol, Chairman Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo
5. Ricky Ganang, Penasihat Forum Adat Dataran Tanah Tinggi Borneo (FORMADAT)
6. Jovilis Majami, President Persatuan pembangunan sosial Komuniti Sabah (BANGUN)
7. Moses Anap, President Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB)
8. Cleftus Stephen Mojingol, President Pertubuhan Kebajikan Rumpun Dayak Sabah
9. Waynin Setimin, President Pertubuhan Prihatin Mualaf Sabah
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the Press Statement do not necessarily represent those of the New Malaysia Herald (NMH).
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Longtime Borneo watcher Joe Fernandez has been writing for many years on both sides of the Southeast Asia Sea. He should not be mistaken for a namesake formerly with the Daily Express in Kota Kinabalu. JF keeps a Blog under FernzTheGreat on the nature of human relationships.
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