KUALA LUMPUR – Activists have panned the announcement that Sabah and Sarawak should be recognised as “wilayah” (regions), saying the move has no legal bearing and is done purely to gain political support in the run-up to the 15th general election.
Putrajaya should instead acknowledge that the two states are truly unhappy with the huge difference in development between them and the peninsula, said the activists in a statement today.
What Sabah and Sarawak are waiting for until today is honesty and dignity from the federal government’s leaders to improve Sabah and Sarawak’s economy and development to be on a par with Malaya.”
The signatories are Dayak Think-Tank Association Sarawak (founder Wellie Henry Majang and president Elias Lipi Mat), Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (secretary-general Michael Jok), Dayak National Congress (president Paul Raja), Borneo Plight in Malaysia Foundation (Daniel John Jambun), Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo (Kanul Gindol), Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Rumpun Dayak Sabah (president Cleftus Mojingol) and Dr Paul Porodong.
“Renaming Sabah and Sarawak has to include amending the constitution to return Sabah and Sarawak’s original status as Malaysia Agreement (1963) signatories, and providing fair development allocation to Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the country.”
If the announcement was made due to the upcoming Sarawak election, they said, it would only be “for us to sell our rights, dignity and self-worth”.
The announcement was made spontaneously by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during his visit to Sarawak, and not based on a decision by the cabinet or a bill that was passed in Parliament, said the activists.
“It means that in terms of law, it does not mean anything; it is not valid.”
Designating Sabah and Sarawak as “regions” does not mean they are equal partners to Malaya because it is not supported by the federal constitution, they said.
“That is why it is important that Article 1(2) of the federal constitution be amended first. The word ‘wilayah’ (region) itself was not used in the original Article 1(2) (1963). The word used was:
“1(2) The States of the Federation shall be –
(a) the States of Malay, namely, ….; and,
(b) the Borneo States, namely Sabah and Sarawak; and,
(c) the State of Singapore.
“In 1976, Article 1(2) was amended and the word “territories” used. Names, states and territories of the Federation.
“Hence, if the federal constitution is used for the rebranding, then the word ‘territories’ that is translated to ‘wilayah’ does not have legal power. The words ‘territories of the Federation’ do not make Sabah and Sarawak equal partners, because it also includes states in Malaya.”
They said the federal government’s recent actions come across as tasteless to Sabah and Sarawak.
“We urge for the rebranding of Sabah and Sarawak to be explained, in line with Malaysia Agreement 1963 aspirations. Secondly, the government needs to make a bill to amend the constitution on the rebranding. Thirdly, the Sabah and Sarawak governments should be allowed to coordinate their administration structure following the rebrand.
“We hope the federal government will be more honest and committed to develop Sabah and Sarawak. We are not asking for the moon and the stars; we just want to enjoy the same revenue that we have shared.
“If the prime minister is unable to implement Article 153 of the federal constitution, then the government should quit.” –The Vibes, April 12, 2021
