By Daniel John Jambun
Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
KOTA KINABALU: Strategic Narratives Must Be Backed By Transparent Results
Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) takes note of the recent statement by Datuk Janathan Kandok, Chairman of SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd, defending SMJ Energy as a strategic investment vehicle that will contribute to Sabah’s long-term economic development.
We acknowledge Datuk Janathan’s optimism regarding the future potential of SMJ Energy.
However, optimism alone is not a substitute for accountability.
No reasonable Sabahan opposes strategic investments.
No reasonable Sabahan opposes Sabah increasing its participation in the oil and gas industry.
What Sabahans are asking for is something far simpler:
Evidence.
1. SABAHANS ARE ASKING FOR FACTS, NOT ASSURANCES
For several years, Sabahans have been told that:
– SMJ Energy is a strategic success;
– equity participation will strengthen Sabah’s economy;
– oil and gas investments will secure Sabah’s future;
– and substantial benefits will eventually flow to the people.
If these claims are accurate, then the Government and SMJ Energy should have no difficulty disclosing:
– total acquisition costs;
– financing arrangements and borrowings;
– annual revenues and profits;
– dividend payments received by the State Government;
– projected versus actual returns;
– liabilities and financial commitments;
– and independently audited performance reports.
Public confidence cannot be built solely through speeches and media statements.
Public confidence is built through transparency.
2. IF THE STRATEGY IS WORKING, WHERE ARE THE VISIBLE RESULTS?
Sabahans continue to hear that billions of ringgit are involved in strategic investments.
Yet ordinary Sabahans continue to face:
– poor road conditions;
– water supply disruptions;
– electricity reliability issues;
– inadequate healthcare facilities;
– insufficient educational infrastructure;
– and persistent claims that government resources remain limited.
This naturally raises an important question.
If SMJ Energy is already delivering significant economic value, why do Sabahans continue to hear explanations about financial constraints?
The people are entitled to know how these investments are strengthening Sabah’s fiscal position and improving public services.
3. SMJ ENERGY IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SABAH’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
BoPiMaFo wishes to emphasise that even if SMJ Energy proves commercially successful, it does not replace Sabah’s constitutional rights.
The acquisition of minority stakes in selected oil and gas projects cannot be used as a substitute for:
– Sabah’s 40% net revenue entitlement under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution;
– full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63);
– greater fiscal autonomy;
– fair resource governance;
– and Sabah’s rightful share of revenues generated from its territory.
Commercial investments and constitutional rights are two separate matters.
One does not replace the other.
4. SABAHANS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHETHER THE RISKS ARE JUSTIFIED
Every investment carries risks.
Every investment must therefore be subjected to public scrutiny.
Sabahans are entitled to know:
– whether the returns justify the investments made;
– whether the risks undertaken are proportionate;
– whether alternative uses of public funds were considered;
– and whether these investments are genuinely improving Sabah’s long-term financial position.
Transparency should never be viewed as hostility.
Transparency is good governance.
Transparency is accountability.
Transparency is respect for the people.
5. THE BURDEN OF PROOF RESTS WITH THOSE MAKING THE CLAIMS
Datuk Janathan Kandok has every right to defend SMJ Energy and its strategic direction.
However, when public funds and public assets are involved, the burden of proof rests with those making claims of success.
Sabahans should not be expected to accept assertions on faith.
The people are entitled to verify the claims themselves.
If SMJ Energy is truly a success story, then publish the complete financial scorecard.
Publish the audited returns.
Publish the dividend contributions.
Publish the performance benchmarks.
Publish the long-term projections.
Let Sabahans judge the results based on facts rather than public relations.
6. THE BIGGER QUESTION REMAINS UNANSWERED
Even as Sabahans are repeatedly told that strategic investments will secure the State’s future, a larger question continues to linger.
How can a State blessed with vast oil and gas resources remain dependent on federal allocations, interim grants, and repeated borrowing while billions of ringgit worth of natural resources continue to leave its shores?
This is the question that Sabahans increasingly want answered.
The future of Sabah cannot depend solely on acquiring shares in projects.
It must also be built upon transparency, accountability, constitutional justice, and the restoration of Sabah’s rightful economic position within the Federation.
Sabahans deserve more than promises.
Sabahans deserve proof.
