By Former Petagas assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia Agreement 1963, stands as a solemn promise to preserve the unique identities and rights of its signatories. For Sabah, this promise is vital, embodying the very essence of our heritage and future.
Today, more than ever, it is imperative for Sabahans to remain vigilant and united in the face of potential political dominance by parties based in Malaya. If left unchecked, such influence will undermine the spirit and stipulations of MA63.
At the core of MA63 lies the assurance of significant political and administrative autonomy for Sabah. This autonomy grants us control over critical areas such as immigration, natural resources, and local governance.
The encroachment of Malayan political parties threatens to dilute this autonomy, sidelining local decision-making processes that directly impact the lives and futures of Sabah’s citizens.
Sabah’s wealth in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, forms the backbone of its economy. MA63 guarantees us control and a 40% share of revenues from these resources.
External political overreach from Malayan parties jeopardizes these arrangements, potentially disrupting the equitable distribution of wealth that Sabah is rightfully entitled to. We must stand firm to ensure that our resources benefit our people and contribute to our prosperity.
Our state is a mosaic of diverse ethnicities and cultures, each contributing to its vibrant social fabric. MA63 enshrines the protection of these distinct cultural identities, ensuring they are respected and celebrated.
Political dominance by parties unfamiliar with Sabah’s unique landscape risks imposing policies that do not reflect our values and cultural distinctions. Let us celebrate our diversity, protect our cultural heritage, and ensure it remains integral to our governance and society.
A unified Malaysia must guarantee fair representation for all its states. For Sabah, this means maintaining robust representation in the federal government to ensure our voices are heard and our interests are advocated.
The encroachment of external political influences from Malayan parties in Sabah will undermine this balance, leading to disenfranchisement and a disconnect between policy-making and our local needs.
To safeguard the integrity of local governance in Sabah, we must actively resist political dominance from Malayan parties in our political landscape.
By upholding the autonomy and privileges promised through MA63, Sabah can ensure that its development reflects the aspirations of its people.
Let us champion our rights, standing resilient and united. Sabahans, let us be vigilant and proud, protect what is ours, and uphold the honor and dignity of our beloved state. Together, we can secure a prosperous future for generations to come.
