By Former Petagas Assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang
KOTA KINABALU: In any treaty or agreement, sincerity and mutual respect among the signatories play an important role in achieving the stated objectives.
Failure to honour and implement the agreed-upon terms can lead to disharmony and chaos, ultimately undermining the very essence of the agreement.
The establishment of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 sought to create a unified federation that would promote the prosperity of its citizens through freedom and economic development, all within an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from prejudices and marginalisation.
A core tenet of the agreement was the envisioned unity of one nation and one people.
A critical evaluation of the federation’s progress since its inception in 1963 reveals significant shortcomings in realising the objectives outlined in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963.
From the outset, Malaya, with ambitions to control the Federation, has been treating Sabah and Sarawak, key partners in the Federation, akin to how a colonial power would behave.
Despite possessing abundant natural resources, Sabah and Sarawak have regrettably emerged as the poorest states in Malaysia, primarily due to the exploitation of their resources to benefit Malaya’s development.
The agreed rights and autonomy stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 have been widely disregarded and relegated.
For Malaysia to prosper and thrive as a unified nation, it is important that Malaya demonstrate a genuine desire and commitment to upholding and fulfilling the provisions and objectives of the Malaysia Agreement of 1963.
