KOTA KINABALU: Former Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, has voiced his disagreement with the remarks made by political veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who stated that “many in East Malaysia” are misinterpreting autonomy as independence.
According to an FMT report, Salleh asserted that Tengku Razaleigh’s comments do not accurately represent the situation in Sabah, emphasizing that the people of Sabah recognize that their state is part of the federation of Malaysia, as outlined in the constitution.
“Independence is not the goal being pursued. What is being discussed is autonomy as envisioned under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which includes rights within the federation, such as control over administration, immigration, revenue, and development priorities.
“Independence, on the other hand, suggests separation and complete sovereignty. This is not the prevailing view in Sabah,” stated the Sabah Chief Minister.
Salleh pointed out that the primary concern for Sabahans is that the rights and protections agreed upon in MA63 have not been fully or consistently honored by the federal government.
“Characterizing the debate as confusion risks missing the essential issues. Today, Sabahans are more knowledgeable, including a younger generation that comprehends history, constitutional frameworks, and the state’s role within the federation.
“Thus, the demand for autonomy should be regarded as a valid attempt to uphold the original terms and spirit of Malaysia, rather than a step towards secession,” he said.
In a recent interview with FMT, Tengku Razaleigh stated that Sabah and Sarawak must function within the constitutional framework established by Malaysia’s founding fathers in 1963, amidst escalating tensions regarding federal authority and state rights.
The former finance minister remarked that many in East Malaysia seem to confuse autonomy with independence, asserting that the autonomy they seek is already guaranteed by the constitution.
