By Fomer Petagas assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, the picturesque state on the island of Borneo, entered into the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 with hopes and promises that its unique identity, rights, and wealth would be preserved and amplified towards prosperity. The Malaysia Agreement 1963 was intended to ensure that Sabah and Sarawak, along with their counterparts in Malaya, would enjoy equitable growth and development. However, the harsh realities over the ensuing six decades paint a portrait of political tragedy marked by eroded rights, economic disparity, and disillusioned citizens.
The Initial Promise and Subsequent Disillusionment
In the initial stages of the formation of Malaysia, Sabah stood as a beacon of hope and potential. It was rich in natural resources, particularly oil and timber, and its economic prospects seemed bright. The Malaysia Agreement 1963 was supposed to protect the autonomy and privileges of Sabah, acknowledging its distinct cultural and historical identity. Unfortunately, the subsequent years saw a gradual erosion of these privileges.
The Federal Government of Malaysia, based in the Peninsula, held significant sway over policy decisions. This led to insufficient autonomy for Sabah and instances where the interests of the state were compromised for national uniformity. The centralization of power often resulted in decisions that favored economic benefits for Malaya at the expense of Sabah’s growth.
Exploitation of Natural Resources
Sabah’s rich deposits of oil, gas, and timber were seen as a golden goose in the early days. Yet, instead of fostering a robust local economy, the royalties and profits predominantly flowed to the federal coffers. The exploitation was particularly evident in the handling of Sabah’s 40% revenues entitlements.With lesser revenue from its natural resources, it has significantly stunted its ability to invest in local infrastructure and social programs.
This paradigm of resource extraction without sufficient local reinvestment has been a critical factor in transforming Sabah from a state with a budget surplus in 1963 into the poorest state in Malaysia. The wealth generated by natural resources largely fueled development in Malaya, leaving Sabah with pressing issues like inadequate infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, and poor public services.
Comparative Economic Platforms: Sabah, Brunei, and Singapore
At the time of joining Malaysia, Sabah was on an economic platform comparable to Brunei and Singapore. Brunei, which did not proceed with joining Malaysia, retained control over its oil resources and built a stable and welfare-oriented state economy. Singapore, after separating from Malaysia in 1965, carved its own path to becoming a global financial hub through strategic leadership and judicious use of its limited resources.
In stark contrast, Sabah’s trajectory highlights lost opportunities. Despite its wealth in natural resources far surpassing those of Singapore and Brunei, the state remains the poorest in the federation. This disparity points to governance issues and the persistent failure to protect its own rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Political Dynamics and Accountability
The socio-political landscape in Sabah has often been characterized by a tendency to acquiesce to federal pressures rather than assert local rights. Sabah’s leaders, over decades, have been criticized for not fiercely defending the state’s autonomy and failing in their responsibilities to uphold the provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963. This inability—or unwillingness—to hold fast to foundational rights has left many Sabahans feeling marginalized and deprived.
Political representation has also been riddled with challenges, as internal divisions and shifting allegiances among political factions often hampered effective advocacy for the state’s needs. Without robust local governance and assertive representation at the federal level, Sabah’s political apparatus often failed to translate potential into tangible growth and empowerment for its citizens.
The Path Forward: Opportunities for Reformation and Growth
While the past decades have often been described as tragic for Sabah, they also offer lessons and opportunities for regeneration. Current dialogues and negotiations concerning the devolution of powers from the federal to state governments have sparked hope among many Sabahans.
Emphasizing local governance, ensuring fair distribution of resource revenues, and implementing policies that prioritize local development are imperative. Furthermore, efforts to negotiate terms within the Malaysia Agreement with regards to its 40% revenue entitlement should aim to restore and enhance Sabah’s autonomy as initially envisaged.
The path forward for Sabah relies on strong leadership committed to the welfare of its people, greater transparency in resource management, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the fundamental rights and privileges outlined in the State Constitution and Federal Constitution. In reclaiming its rights, Sabah has the potential to transform its rich resource base into sustainable economic growth, reshaping its narrative from one of tragedy to one of triumph. However, the spectre of Malayan parties interfering in the political process in the coming State election presents a challenging proposition. Sabahans must assert their autonomy, ensuring that the freedom to choose remains with the citizens of Sabah, safeguarding their rights as assured in the Malaysia Agreement 1963. United we stand, divided we fall.
