DON’T DRAG BORNEO STATES TO THE DARK HOLE
KUCHING, SARAWAK – The Sarawak rights movement Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS) today issued a fiery rejection of the recently signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)between the Government of Malaysia and the United States of America. SAS asserts that the Federal Government (Putrajaya) has once again entered an international pact without the requisite consultation or consent of the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak, constituting a betrayal of federalism and a direct violation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).I.
No Consent, No Deal: A Violation of MA63Speaking on behalf of the people of Sarawak, activist Peter John Jaban stated firmly, “This is not our deal. This is not our consent.”The activists argue that the Federal Government’s decision-making process is fundamentally flawed and neglects the status of Borneo states as equal partners in the Federation.
Dato Fabian Wong questioned the legitimacy of the pact, demanding: “Why a DEAL SIGNED WITHOUT BORNEO’S CONSENT?”
Once again, the federal government in Putrajaya has entered an international agreement without consultation or representation from Sabah and Sarawak.
The Federal Government, particularly the Prime Minister, must not make major decisions that affect our territory without prior consultation with the Sarawak Government, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), and without informing the public.”
SAS insists that unilateral decisions made by Putrajaya cannot bind Sabah and Sarawak, and that using Sarawak’s resources as “tribute or collateral” for federal deals is unacceptable.II.
Threat to Borneo’s Resource Sovereignty and PetronasThe gravest concern raised is the deal’s impact on Borneo’s control over its vital oil and gas resources.
SAS highlights the commitment made by Malaysia, as noted in the White House documentation on the trade agreement, which includes a significant commercial deal:Quoted from White House Documentation on Malaysia-USA Trade Agreement:Purchase of up to 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Liquified Natural Gas estimated at up to USD3.4 billion per year (through multi-year agreements with Petronas in Malaysia).
SAS interprets this as a compulsory and damaging concession, declaring it “A THREAT not only to Petronas but to BORNEO’S RESOURCE SOVEREIGNTYThe deal compels Petronas to purchase U.S. natural gas, tying our national oil company to long-term dependence on American suppliers.
This move undermines Petronas’ independence and strips Sabah and Sarawak of our bargaining power over our own oil and gas resources our rightful leverage under MA63.Our group asserts that by effectively turning Petronas into a guaranteed customer for foreign exporters, Putrajaya has “mortgaged Borneo’s resources for federal alignment,”labelling the act as “economic annexation through contract.
“III. Damage to Local Industries and Cultural SovereigntySAS warns that the agreement extends beyond energy to compromise the survival of local communities and the integrity of Sarawakian culture:• Local Industries Left Unprotected: The trade pact allegedly prohibits Malaysia from protecting or prioritizing local industries if it disadvantages U.S. corporations, forcing local farmers, fishermen, and small entrepreneurs in Borneo to compete against heavily subsidized American agribusinesses without state support.• Cultural Colonization: Provisions opening the door for increased foreign content on Malaysian television are seen as weakening cultural sovereignty, reducing space for *indigenous languages, Sarawakian and Sabahan stories, and replacing them with “imported values and narratives.
“IV. Call for Immediate Action and Regional ReorientationSaya Anak Sarawak issues a clear message to the people of Borneo and the Sarawak Government:
1. Mandatory State Ratification: Any external economic or trade agreement signed by Putrajaya that affects Sabah or Sarawak’s resources, economy, or culture must be ratified by the State Legislative Assemblies before it can take effect within the Borneo territories.
2. Borneo-First Partnerships: Sabah and Sarawak must build direct partnershipswith regional neighbours, specifically Brunei, Kalimantan (Indonesia’s Nusantara), and Southern Philippines, to strengthen trade and diplomacy and establish Borneo as the “heart of the East Indies trade corridor.”Activist William Mangor stressed the immediate need to: “craft and implement a concrete plan to persuade the present Sarawak Government and relevant state institutions to act decisively to protect our rights and resources.
The sooner this plan is developed and executed, the better.”FINAL MESSAGE: SAS concludes with an unyielding stance: “We reject colonialism, both foreign and internal. We reject any trade pact that chains Borneo without Borneo’s consent. We stand for self-government within the federation, as promised by MA63.
Issued by: SAYA ANAK SARAWAK (SAS)Spokespersons:1. Peter John Jaban, William Mangor, Dato Fabian Wong
