I HAVE read Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau’s statement calling for five ministers from Sabah and Sarawak to speak in the cabinet about the Timah manufacturer’s rights to keep the names of those who have won the award, and I support his statement as a whole.
The Sarawakians and Sabahans have witnessed so much restlessly, and are fed up with the ridiculous political games continuously played in Malaya, especially when Malay-based political parties feel their grassroots support is shaking.
For the past two decades, we have seen our basic freedoms gradually barred by authorities, using the excuse that Muslims will be confused. It is an insult by leaders to the intelligence of Islamic followers about their ability to see simple facts.
What worries me more is that leaders, who in the past were said to be liberals, were also involved in arguments while dismantling what they thought as advice on the need to be aware of sensitivity, etc.
This is not the Malaysia our ancestors wanted. When the idea of forming Malaysia with Malaya was presented to them, one of our leaders’ concerns at the time was about dominance by the Malays. The Cobbold Commission’s report states in one piece:
“Although there are no ideological overtones here, we have found that the prospect of Malaysia, as viewed by non-Malay natives in certain parts of Sarawak within the framework of their unhappy recollection of Brunei domination in the past, is regarded as Malay domination...their fear of its return with the new federation.
“Opposition to Malaysia springs from a genuine fear of discrimination...a feeling among the Chinese that their status would be reduced to that of ‘second-class citizens’ and among the natives that their customary laws and practices would be affected. Similarly, there is concern that Malaysia would entail migration from the other territories of the Federation, and also that such safeguards as may be given could be removed at a later stage by the central government”.
Speaking in a conference in 1962, the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman said that not one race should try to dominate the other in the Federation of Malaysia proposed.
Unfortunately, this has come true. The Sarawakians and Sabah see our ancestors’ fears come true. The central government is seen only caring about majority rights, regardless of other racial rights as guaranteed by the federal constitution.
Being subject to the claim that the name “Timah” needs to be changed is a clear indication that ministers in this government care more about their positions than defending the rights of all citizens. Moreover, we have just been presented with a budget biased towards Malays and the Islamic agenda.
In Sarawak, dissatisfaction with the federal government is getting stronger by the day. The Keluarga Malaysia slogan by the prime minister is meeting scepticism.
Ministers and MPs from Borneo should dare to face Malayan ministers to defend the rights of all Sarawakians and Sabah, and indeed all minority groups. Being silent is a sign that we agree to be oppressed, insulted, and disrespected by those who should be equal partners. GPS leaders should realise that Sarawakians are waiting for them to show true leadership at the federal level. – The Vibes, November 6, 2021
Baru Bian is the Selangau MP and Ba’Kelalan assemblyman. This is his full statement released on November 3
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