By J. Ligunjang JP, Former State Assemblyman and MAJAPS Vice‑President
KOTA KINABALU: It is timely for the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to adopt a resolution to redesignate the Head of Government of Sabah from “Chief Minister” to “Premier.”
This change would align Sabah’s nomenclature with that of Sarawak and better reflect Sabah’s equal standing with the Federation of Malaya within the Federation of Malaysia.
It would also underscore Sabah’s distinct historical, political and administrative identity, and reinforce the spirit and intent of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which recognizes the autonomy and special position of Sabah and Sarawak, setting them apart from the states in the Malayan federation.
The proposed change in title from “Chief Minister” to “Premier” is primarily symbolic and does not in any way alter the constitutional powers, functions or responsibilities of the office as currently prescribed under the Federal Constitution and the Sabah State Constitution.
The Premier of Sabah would continue to discharge the same legal and executive duties as the present Chief Minister; what changes is the public and constitutional vocabulary through which Sabah’s status is expressed.
Nevertheless, symbolism matters. The adoption of the title “Premier” is intended to recalibrate the national mindset and public discourse, emphasizing that Sabah, Sarawak and the Federation of Malaya are the three integral and founding partners in the formation of Malaysia pursuant to MA63, rather than simply “one state among many” within a unitary Malayan framework.
By clearly distinguishing Sabah’s position from that of the states in Peninsular Malaysia, this change would:
1. Affirm Sabah’s historical role as a founding partner of Malaysia in 1963, not as a state later admitted to an already‑formed federation.
Visibly acknowledge the special constitutional safeguards and autonomous powers accorded to Sabah and Sarawak, particularly in areas such as immigration, land, natural resources, and certain aspects of education and local government.
Strengthen public understanding—both within and beyond Sabah—that federal‑state relations must be guided by the letter and spirit of MA63, the Inter‑Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and the relevant constitutional amendments that gave effect to those arrangements.
Help foster a more balanced federation in practice by encouraging policies and narratives that treat Sabah and Sarawak as co‑equal partners whose views must be meaningfully considered in national decision‑making.
In substance, therefore, the adoption of the title “Premier of Sabah” serves as a constitutional and political reminder: Malaysia is a federation formed by Sabah, Sarawak and the Federation of Malaya, each with its own identity and agreed distribution of powers.
Clarifying this through official titles can contribute to a healthier federation, one in which equality, mutual respect and adherence to MA63 are not just legal principles but living realities in the governance of the nation.
