By Former state assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang
KOTA KINABALU: In Malaysia, the relationship between the federal government and the states has long been a complex interplay of political interests, historical treaties, and constitutional mandates.
Over the years, this relationship has increasingly been influenced by political alignments with national parties rather than rooted in the principles enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
This shift raises concerns about the integrity, fairness, and sustainability of Malaysia’s federal system.
Historically, MA63 was the foundational treaty that integrated Sabah Sarawak and the Federation of Malaya into the Federation of Malaysia. It granted these states special rights and autonomy, recognizing their unique circumstances and historical contexts.
However, successive federal administrations have not fully honored or respected these provisions. The rights embedded in MA63 are too often overlooked when federal-state relations are reduced to political expediency.
More troubling is how political alignments with national parties have led to undue interference and involvement in the governance and political processes of Sabah and Sarawak—actions that violate the constitutional and treaty guarantees outlined in MA63.
When the federal and state governments are controlled by the same political parties, relations tend to appear more amicable.
Yet, this alignment can also serve as a pretext for federal encroachment into the states’ affairs under the guise of political cooperation. Conversely, when they are not aligned, conflicts and interventions often escalate, undermining the autonomy and rights of Sabah and Sarawak.
Such politicization distorts the true spirit of Malaysia’s federalism, reducing it to a tool for partisan gain rather than a system founded on respect and constitutional integrity.
This dynamic risks transforming the relationship into a zero-sum game, where the rights of Sabah and Sarawak are sacrificed for short-term political advantages in Peninsular Malaysia.
Worse, these practices threaten to erode the perception that Malaysia’s constitutional promises are fixed and binding, instead framing them as negotiable or subordinate to partisan interests.
A truly sustainable and just federal system must balance political realities with constitutional obligations.
The special rights and autonomy granted under MA63 are not merely political demands—they are contractual commitments rooted in Malaysia’s founding agreement. Upholding these rights is essential for maintaining national unity, trust, and the legitimacy of Malaysia’s federalism.
In conclusion, Malaysia must move beyond petty party politics. Respecting the constitutional and treaty commitments of MA63—especially in the face of political interference—is fundamental to fostering a federal relationship based on trust, fairness, and long-term stability.
The people of Sabah and Sarawak have a crucial role in safeguarding these principles. It is advisable for Sabahans and Sarawakians to critically assess and oppose efforts by national parties that threaten to undermine MA63.
Supporting local parties in upcoming state elections can help ensure that the special rights and autonomy promised in MA63 are preserved, thereby strengthening regional sovereignty and the integrity of Malaysia’s federal system.
Only through a united stance rooted in constitutional commitments can we build a Malaysia that truly respects the principles established in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Sabah and Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaysia not to be colonized by the Federation of Malaya but to develop alongside it.
