By Former Petagas Assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has the potential to significantly alter its trajectory for the better by reevaluating its collaboration with Malayan political parties and by assuming greater responsibility for its own governance. The involvement of Malayan parties in the political and administrative realms of Sabah over the past 38 years has complicated the state’s affairs, contributing to its classification as the poorest state in the Federation. It is, therefore, essential to initiate a shift in focus, whereby Malayan parties would concentrate on issues within Malaya and local-based parties would focus on enhancing Sabah’s governance. Such a strategy not only respects the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63) but also grants Sabah the autonomy it desperately needs.
Historically, the involvement of Malayan parties in Sabah has often led to decisions that do not align with the unique needs and aspirations of the state. This has impeded Sabah’s progress and limited its ability to fully exploit its economic, social, and cultural potentials. By placing a greater emphasis on local-based parties, Sabah can ensure more effective addressing of its unique challenges and opportunities.
Empowering Sabah to manage its own affairs would allow the state to enact policies and initiatives that are specifically tailored to meet its needs. Such autonomy would enable Sabah to develop its own economic strategies, manage resources effectively, preserve its cultural heritage, and tackle critical issues such as poverty, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development. Through self-governance, Sabah could leverage its abundant natural resources and diverse economy to create opportunities for its citizens, boost economic growth, and attract meaningful investments.
Granting autonomy to Sabah is in alignment with the principles of the Malaysia Agreement of 1963, which was intended to ensure equal partnership and representation among the territories forming Malaysia. Upholding the spirit of this agreement through autonomy would pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive political system.
It is important to clarify that achieving autonomy for Sabah does not suggest a complete disengagement from Malaya or the severance of ties. Continued collaboration and cooperation between Sabah and Malaya in areas of mutual benefit such as trade, diplomacy, and national security remain crucial. Through strategic collaboration, Sabah can leverage its unique geographic position and cultural diversity to positively contribute to national development and enhance regional integration.
By reassessing its relationship with Malayan parties and enhancing its self-governance capabilities, Sabah has the opportunity to improve its socio-economic status and autonomously shape its own future. Granting this autonomy in line with the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 not only respects the historical context of the agreement but also empowers the state to effectively address its specific challenges and aspirations.
