ARE NOT SMOKESCREENS — THEY ARE A CONSTITUTIONAL STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL
KOTA KINABALU — The Change Advocate Movement of Sabah (CAMOS) strongly refutes Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s assertion that the “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment is a mere smokescreen for the upcoming state election. Even more misleading is the implication that the larger Sabah movement — captured in the cry “Selamatkan Sabah” — is a political distraction.
CAMOS President Daniel John Jambun said these statements reveal how disconnected Putrajaya remains from the real anxieties, frustrations, and constitutional demands of the people of Sabah.
1. “Sabah for Sabahans” and “Selamatkan Sabah” are grounded in MA63 — not rhetoric
Daniel said Sabahans are not pushing slogans for fun or manipulating emotions for elections.
“These are constitutional, historical and existential demands,” he said.
“‘Sabah for Sabahans’ and ‘Selamatkan Sabah’ arise from six decades of federal neglect, broken promises, and unfulfilled rights under MA63, the IGC Report, and the Malaysia Constitution.”
To dismiss these aspirations as smokescreens is to dismiss Sabah’s entire constitutional position within Malaysia.
2. If governance is the issue, PMX must explain federal failures in Sabah
Daniel said Anwar should first address long-standing federal failures, including:
The 40% revenue entitlement, withheld for 50 years.
The partial appeal filed by the AGC under his government to delay Sabah’s rights.
Mismanagement of Sabah’s water, electricity, roads and public infrastructure under federal-controlled agencies.
Sabah remaining the poorest region in Malaysia despite supplying billions in oil and gas revenue to the national economy.
“Before pointing fingers at Sabahans, PMX should explain why Putrajaya continues to benefit from Sabah’s wealth while Sabahans suffer,” Daniel said.
3. “Selamatkan Sabah” is not political — it is a warning of systemic neglect
Daniel stressed that “Selamatkan Sabah” is not an election trick. It is Sabahans acknowledging:
the collapse of basic infrastructure,
the erosion of autonomy,
the explosion in PTI numbers,
the failure to deliver MA63 promises,
and the growing interference of Malaya-based parties in local politics.
“This is not politics. This is survival,” Daniel said.
“Sabah must be saved from continued federal domination and decades of poor governance.”
4. PMX’s claim of 13 resolved MA63 items is misleading
Daniel said the real issues remain unresolved:
40% revenue return — NOT RESOLVED
Oil and gas ownership — NOT RESOLVED
Territorial Sea Act — NOT RESOLVED
Education & Health autonomy — NOT RESOLVED
“Sabahans are not impressed with cosmetic administrative tweaks. We want real rights restored,” he added.
5. Sabah’s development problems are far from solved
Despite PMX highlighting Pan Borneo, water projects and electricity upgrades, Sabahans still endure:
chronic water shortages,
frequent blackouts,
incomplete highway gaps,
patchy internet,
and the highest poverty rate in the federation.
“If this is the progress PMX is asking us to applaud, then he is out of touch with Sabah’s daily reality,” Daniel said.
6. Even Johor opposes outside political interference
Daniel pointed to the Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ), who openly said Johor should emulate Sarawak — free from external political interference.
“Why is it acceptable for Johor to safeguard local politics, but Sabahans are accused of being ‘emotional’ or ‘political’ when we demand the same respect?”
7. The real smokescreen is Putrajaya’s attempt to hide six decades of failure
Daniel said the people of Sabah should not be fooled by federal rhetoric.
“Let’s be clear: The real smokescreen is Putrajaya’s attempt to shift blame from its own long-standing failures in honouring MA63, delivering development, and treating Sabah as an equal partner.”
“‘Sabah for Sabahans’ and ‘Selamatkan Sabah’ are not anti-federal. They are pro-justice, pro-autonomy, and pro-equality.
They are the collective voice of a people demanding dignity, fairness, and the restoration of rightful powers,” Daniel said.
“PMX is wrong. The people of Sabah are not hiding behind slogans — we are finally exposing what has been hidden for decades.”
