By Daniel John Jambun, President Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
KOTA KINABALU: Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) takes note of the remarks by Mustapha Sakmud suggesting that Sabah is beginning to gain its rights under the present Federal Government while acknowledging that the struggle remains long.
BoPiMaFo respectfully submits that this characterisation overlooks a fundamental constitutional reality.
Sabah’s rights did not originate with any particular Prime Minister or Federal administration. They were embedded in the constitutional arrangements and agreements that led to the formation of Malaysia in 1963. They are legal entitlements that should be honoured as a matter of constitutional duty, not portrayed as political concessions or acts of generosity.
More importantly, Sabah agreed to form Malaysia on the basis of solemn assurances that included security for its people and equitable economic development. More than six decades later, many Sabahans continue to question whether these foundational promises have been fully realised.
On the issue of security, the persistent challenges arising from illegal immigration remain a matter of grave public concern. The findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Illegal Immigrants in Sabah highlighted serious institutional shortcomings and recommended corrective measures. Yet concerns over demographic changes and border security continue to be raised by Sabahans across the political spectrum.
On the issue of economic development, Sabah continues to seek the full implementation of its constitutional and financial rights. The debate surrounding the 40% special grant, revenue arrangements, and fiscal autonomy reflects longstanding issues that deserve transparent and lawful resolution.
Similarly, the long-standing 5% petroleum cash payment should not be mistaken as settling Sabah’s broader concerns over resource governance and equitable returns from its natural wealth. Many Sabahans continue to question whether existing arrangements adequately reflect the spirit of fairness and the constitutional understanding upon which the Federation was formed.
BoPiMaFo also notes that the issue of the continental shelf remains one of immense legal and economic importance to Sabah. As related matters are presently before the courts, the judicial process should be respected, but their significance to Sabah’s long-term interests cannot be understated.
Taken together, these matters demonstrate that Sabah’s struggle is not for new privileges, but for the faithful implementation of rights and obligations that have existed since 1963.
BoPiMaFo therefore respectfully reminds Mustapha Sakmud that the true measure of progress is not the announcement of incremental concessions but the full honouring of the constitutional compact upon which Malaysia was founded.
Until the fundamental promises of security and economic development are fully realised, and until longstanding issues such as the implementation of the 40% special grant, the adequacy of the 5% petroleum payment, the continental shelf dispute, and the continuing concerns over illegal immigration are satisfactorily addressed, it would be premature to suggest that Sabah is only now beginning to receive its rights.
Sabahans are not asking for favours. They are asking for the faithful implementation of constitutional commitments, the rule of law, and the promises upon which they agreed to become part of Malaysia.
