By DANIEL JOHN JAMBUN, PRESIDENT, CHANGE ADVOCATE MOVEMENT OF SABAH (CAMOS)
KOTA KINABALU: The Change Advocate Movement of Sabah (CAMOS) views with deep concern the condescending and self-congratulatory tone of recent remarks by certain Malayan politicians who now claim that Sabah should be grateful to “Ministers from Malaya” for defending the Sulu claims. Such statements are historically inaccurate, politically insulting, and dismissive of Sabah’s equal status within the Federation.
Sabah has never been a helpless territory waiting to be “saved.” Sabah joined Malaysia in 1963 as a sovereign partner with its own constitutional guarantees under MA63 and the IGC Report.
The sovereignty and security of Sabah are upheld not by the charity of any individual politician, but by international law, the Federal Constitution, and the sacrifices of Sabahans themselves who have long defended this homeland.
CAMOS wishes to remind all parties in Malaya that it is in their clear strategic and economic interest to value Sabah.
The State contributes massively to the Federation through its oil and gas reserves, fertile agricultural lands, pristine forests, world-class tourism assets, and its crucial geopolitical position in the Sulu Sea and Borneo region. Sabah is not, and has never been, a burden on the Federation.
For decades, Sabah and Sarawak have carried disproportionate responsibilities for the nation’s development, yet too often our contributions have been taken for granted.
To now suggest that Sabah’s safety or sovereignty is due solely to “Malayan ministers” is not only misleading — it reflects an outdated, colonial mindset that has no place in today’s Malaysia.
SABAH IS CAPABLE OF DEFENDING ITSELF WHEN NECESSARY
Let us be equally clear: had the Federal Government failed or neglected to act decisively, Sabah possesses both the capacity and the financial strength to engage top-tier international legal experts to defend its own territorial integrity.
Sabah’s future and sovereignty are too important to be left to chance. Our State is neither powerless nor dependent — we are fully capable of protecting our interests when required.
SABAH’S INHERENT STRENGTH MUST NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED
Sabah’s natural wealth gives it the inherent capacity — much like Brunei — to be self-sufficient and prosperous. CAMOS remains committed to the Malaysian federation and the principles of MA63, but this commitment must never be mistaken for weakness.
Sabah’s dignity, rights, and equal-partner status must be upheld at all times.
A CALL FOR RESPECT AND MATURITY
CAMOS urges all Malayan politicians to refrain from making arrogant, dismissive, or patronising remarks about Sabah.
Malaysia was built on partnership, not subordination. Any attempt to belittle Sabah or rewrite our role within the Federation only undermines national unity and deepens distrust.
CAMOS will continue to unapologetically defend Sabah’s interests and ensure that our State is treated fairly, honourably, and as an equal founding partner of Malaysia — not as a province waiting for rescue from Malaya.
