Issued by: Daniel John Jambun, President Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS)
KOTA KINABALU: Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS) welcomes the Federal Government’s approval for the Republic of India to establish a consulate in Sabah.
The presence of a foreign consulate in Sabah reflects the State’s growing strategic and economic relevance in the region. If managed properly, this development can open pathways for cooperation in trade, education, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchanges that directly benefit Sabahans.
However, CAMOS stresses that Sabah must not be reduced to a passive host while decisions and benefits are centralised elsewhere.
Any engagement arising from the proposed Indian consulate must involve Sabah directly — including the State Government, local authorities, Sabah-based businesses, civil society, and indigenous communities. Sabah must have a meaningful role in shaping priorities, negotiating cooperation frameworks, and ensuring that economic opportunities reach local enterprises and communities.
CAMOS further emphasises that this approach is consistent with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which recognised Sabah as a founding partner in the Federation with its own safeguards, identity, and interests. International-facing initiatives involving Sabah should therefore reflect partnership, not dependency.
We caution against repeating past patterns where external investment and diplomatic engagement bypass local participation, resulting in limited benefits for Sabah while decision-making remains concentrated in Putrajaya.
CAMOS welcomes the proposed Indian consulate, provided Sabah is treated not merely as a location, but as an active and equal stakeholder in all resulting engagements. Transparent processes, local inclusion, and accountable governance must guide this cooperation.
A stronger Sabah strengthens Malaysia. Real reform begins when Sabahans are included as partners, not spectators.
