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Issued by Daniel John Jambu, President Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
KOTA KINABALU: India’s Embassy in Sabah Reflects Growing Recognition of Sabah’s Distinct Constitutional and Strategic Position
Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) takes note of the Federal Government’s approval for the Republic of India to establish its consulate in Sabah.
This development is significant. It reflects increasing international recognition of Sabah’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region and confirms that Sabah is not merely an administrative appendage of Peninsular Malaysia, but a region of distinct geopolitical relevance within the Federation.
Sabah holds a special position arising from history, geography, and the constitutional arrangements embodied in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). While BoPiMaFo fully recognises that foreign affairs remain a federal responsibility, the approval for a foreign diplomatic mission to be located in Sabah demonstrates in practice that Sabah is not constitutionally interchangeable with Peninsular states. Such differentiated engagement is consistent with the spirit and intent of MA63, which recognised Sabah as a founding partner with its own safeguards, identity, and standing.
For decades, Sabahans have been told that international engagement, recognition, and development must flow exclusively through Kuala Lumpur. This decision quietly disproves that mindset. It reinforces the case for Sabah to be accorded greater administrative space and dignity in international-facing sectors such as trade, investment, education, tourism, and regional cooperation, consistent with constitutional principles.
BoPiMaFo views this as a positive and constructive step that enhances Sabah’s international visibility and affirms its importance within Malaysia. A stronger Sabah does not weaken the Federation. On the contrary, it strengthens Malaysia by restoring balance, trust, and constitutional fidelity.
Sabah’s visibility on the international stage benefits not only Sabah, but Malaysia as a whole.
