By Daniel John Jambun, President Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) expresses its firm and unequivocal support for the courageous statement made by YB Datuk Willie Mongin in Parliament recently, calling for the legitimacy of Malaysia’s formation to be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), raised before the United Nations (UN), and followed by a referendum for the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
This is not about party politics or individuals — this is about the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of the people of Borneo!
1. This Is About the People’s Rights, Not Partisan Politics
BoPiMaFo calls upon all citizens of Sabah and Sarawak to rise and unite in demanding justice.
Enough of being robbed, deceived, and oppressed by greedy leaders who have sold out the rights of our states for narrow political gain.
“You may engage in politics during elections, but safeguarding the people’s trust and defending the rights of our states is the duty of every true leader.”
2. Willie Mongin’s Statement: A Voice of Courage and Truth
Datuk Willie Mongin’s speech represents the courage of a true son of Borneo — echoing the long-suppressed cry of the people of Sabah and Sarawak who have endured injustice from the violation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
His proposal to bring this matter to the ICJ and the UN is grounded in the principles of international law, not emotion or divisive politics.
MA63 is an international treaty signed by four sovereign parties — the United Kingdom, Malaya, Sabah (then North Borneo), and Sarawak.
If the terms of that treaty have been violated, then Malaysia’s legitimacy as a federation deserves to be reviewed by the proper international authorities.
3. Referendum: Restoring the Voice of the Borneo People
BoPiMaFo fully supports the proposal for a referendum, which would return power to the people of Sabah and Sarawak to decide whether they still wish to remain in Malaysia under today’s circumstances.
Since 1963, the people of Borneo have never been asked again whether they still consent to the present conditions, which have drifted far from the original spirit of MA63.
A referendum is not a call for secession, but a legitimate exercise of the people’s sovereign mandate to reassess their position.
4. End Economic Oppression and Violations of State Rights
More than 60 years after Malaysia’s formation, Sabah and Sarawak remain far behind in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The Petroleum Development Act 1974, the centralization of resource control, and federal policies that deny state autonomy are clear evidence of betrayal of the MA63 spirit and the 1962 IGC Report.
BoPiMaFo emphasizes that the rights over oil, gas, land, marine wealth, and natural resources of Borneo must be fully restored to the state governments and the people.
5. BoPiMaFo’s Demands
In upholding this spirit of struggle, BoPiMaFo demands that:
1. The Governments of Sabah and Sarawak formally support YB Datuk Willie Mongin’s proposal and establish a Joint Borneo Legal Team to bring the matter to the ICJ and the UN.
2. A referendum for the people of Sabah and Sarawak be held to determine the true position of both Bornean states within the federation.
3. All rights under MA63 be fully restored, including control over natural resources, education, and local governance.
4. Sabah and Sarawak political leaders must stop bowing to federal pressure and return to the founding principles of Malaysia — equality and mutual consent among partners.
6. Final Call: Rise and Unite!
BoPiMaFo calls upon all the people of Borneo — regardless of party, race, or religion — to rise and defend our rights and dignity.
“We are not against Malaysia; we demand that Malaysia be built upon lawful, just, and respected foundations.”
Let the world know that Sabah and Sarawak will no longer remain as oppressed territories, but as equal partners in a genuine federation — sovereign, dignified, and entitled to determine their own destiny.
