Kota Kinabalu: The recent statements by Mahathir Mohamad and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, claiming that federalism "strengthens" Malaysia, are nothing more than a deflection from the real issue: the federal government's failure to honour the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). This betrayal of Sabah and Sarawak’s rights is precisely why federalism has failed, and why independence movements have gained momentum in both states.
Let’s be clear—if the federal government had faithfully complied with the terms of MA63 from the beginning, there would be no calls for independence today. Sabah and Sarawak would not have felt the need to question their place within Malaysia. The revival of separatist sentiments is a direct consequence of the federal leadership’s repeated violations of the treaty that was meant to safeguard the rights and autonomy of Borneo within the federation.
For 61 years, Sabah and Sarawak have been systematically denied the full benefits guaranteed under MA63, such as the 40% revenue entitlement for Sabah and control over our own oil and gas resources. Instead of addressing these failures, federal leaders now try to shift the conversation towards so-called "national security" and "unity," but these are just attempts to divert attention from their own shortcomings.
Mahathir and Razaleigh, in particular, have spent decades undermining Borneo’s rights, yet now they are conveniently blaming those pushing for independence for being "extremists." What they fail to mention is that their refusal to comply with MA63 is what led to the erosion of trust between the Borneo states and the federal government in the first place. Sabahans and Sarawakians are not asking for anything extreme—we are demanding what was promised to us, what is legally and rightfully ours under the very treaty that established this federation.
This diversionary tactic cannot hide the truth: federalism has failed not because of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, but because of the federal government’s repeated betrayals. By consistently ignoring the terms of MA63, the federal government has created the very conditions that have led to widespread disillusionment and the growth of independence movements in Sabah and Sarawak.
Mahathir and Razaleigh’s rhetoric about protecting Malaysia from external threats is a smokescreen. The real threat to Malaysia’s unity is the internal injustice caused by their refusal to address the legitimate grievances of the Borneo states. If federalism was truly meant to unite Malaysia, then it would have respected the autonomy, resources, and rights of Sabah and Sarawak as laid out in MA63. Instead, it has been used as a tool for exploitation, silencing our voices and depriving us of our rightful share of the nation’s wealth.
We must refocus the debate: the root cause of the dissatisfaction in Sabah and Sarawak is the federal government’s failure to honour MA63. Any narrative that ignores this fact is simply an attempt to distract from the truth.
We call on all Sabahans and Sarawakians to reject this failed version of federalism and stand united in our demand for justice. The federal government must stop diverting attention from their failures and start addressing the real issues. Federalism has failed because those in power have failed to uphold their end of the bargain.
Daniel John Jambun
President, Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
Robert Pei President Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)
Peter John Jaban Founder Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS)
Jovilis Majami President Persatuan pembangunan sosial komunity Sabah (BANGUN)
Ricky Ganang Penasihat Forum Adat Dataran Tanah Tinggi Borneo (FORMADAT)
Moses Anap President Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB)
Cleftus Stephen Mojingol President Pertubuhan kebajikan Rumpun Dayak Sabah (PKRDS)
Voon Lee Shan President party Bumi Kenyalang Sarawak (PBK)
