An increasing number of Sabahans and Sarawakians are expressing deep frustration with the Federation, with a growing call across both Borneo states for self-determination and independence.
The underlying cause is straightforward: For decades, Sabah and Sarawak have poured substantial revenues and natural resources into federal coffers, yet our people are left waiting for fair returns, proper infrastructure, quality public services, and genuine economic self-control.
The "Lending to a Friend" Paradox
The current financial arrangement with the Federal Government increasingly resembles lending money to a friend:
"When you ask for your money back, your friend promises to return it. But when the time comes to honour that promise, there is always another explanation, another negotiation, and another delay. Eventually, you are forced to beg for your own money — and somehow, you are portrayed as the unreasonable party."
This endless cycle is the primary catalyst for the growing resentment across Sarawak and Sabah.
Decades of Unresolved Issues Under MA63
Decades after the formation of Malaysia, fundamental rights remain locked in perpetual negotiations. Recent Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) discussions continue to stall on key issues:
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Revenue Sharing & Special Grants: Entitlements legally owed to the Borneo states under the Federal Constitution.
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Oil, Gas & Natural Resources: Lack of full local authority over offshore and onshore wealth extraction.
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Development Funding: Chronic underfunding for rural roads, healthcare facilities, and public infrastructure.
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Parliamentary Representation: Inadequate safeguard of Borneo's legislative balance.
When promises are repeatedly made but never fully delivered, public confidence vanishes. Continuous negotiations without firm deadlines or binding settlements suggest a system engineered to postpone grievances rather than resolve them.
"We Cannot Eat Parliamentary Seats"
While political alliances like GPS and GRS have historically focused on securing more parliamentary seats, political representation alone does not translate into economic justice.
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Seats are not money. They do not directly build regional hospitals.
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Seats are not food. They do not pave rural roads or upgrade dilapidated schools.
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Seats are not industries. They do not create high-paying local jobs.
Borneo must not accept additional parliamentary seats as a consolation prize while financial entitlements remain withheld and natural resource wealth stays under federal control.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang's Stand: Our Demands
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) is fully prepared to take a tough stance because we refuse to stay silent while Sarawak and Sabah are shortchanged.
Our position is unambiguous:
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Return Owed Revenues: Full payment of all constitutional financial entitlements.
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Restore Resource Rights: Complete local control over oil, gas, and natural resources.
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Fulfill Historical Commitments: Immediate execution of constitutional and historical guarantees made under MA63.
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End Dependency: Stop the politics of delay, reliance, and endless negotiation.
A Time-Bound Settlement or Continued Calls for Autonomy
This is not a plea for charity or special treatment—it is a demand for fairness, accountability, and the restoration of rightful wealth. Without financial power and resource sovereignty, Sabah and Sarawak will remain restricted in their ability to develop, protect their citizens, and shape their own destiny.
If the Federal Government seeks the long-term confidence and loyalty of Borneo, it must deliver a transparent, fair, and time-bound settlement.
Until then, the push for greater autonomy — and full independence — will only continue to strengthen.
Voon Lee Shan
President
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK)