By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Mar 4: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has condemned former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim over Facebook remarks describing Sabah and Sarawak’s constitutional safeguards under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as an attempt to “outwit Malaya,” calling them arrogant, condescending, and offensive.
In a Facebook post, Zaid praised the “Borneo Bloc” political plan as a clever way for Sabah and Sarawak to maintain leverage over Malaya, while arguing that MA63 rights were negotiated decades ago under British oversight and suggesting the two States now seek “control” beyond their original agreements.
Responding in statement today, Peter said such framing distorts history and the intent of MA63, which legally enshrines Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the Federation.
“Sabah and Sarawak are not a ‘burden’ on Malaysia. We entered the Federation as equal partners with safeguards to protect our autonomy, identity, and resources.
“Portraying our lawful exercise of these rights as tactical gamesmanship is insulting and misleading,” he said.
He warned that remarks like Zaid’s risk undermining national unity by trivialising legal agreements and East Malaysian contributions.
“Malaysia deserves mature, fact-based discussion, not sarcasm or mockery. National unity cannot be built on ridicule; it must be grounded in respect, constitutional integrity, and recognition of historical commitments,” he emphasised.
The activist also urged leaders from Sabah and Sarawak particularly within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to speak with a unified voice in defending the Borneo states’ constitutional rights. He called for the strengthening of a Borneo Bloc to ensure the region can assert its legal and historical position within the Federation.
“Political leaders who undermine our constitutional safeguards are not only disrespecting East Malaysia—they are betraying the very foundation of the nation. Our future, development, and dignity depend on leaders who honour the promises of MA63,” he added. — DayakDaily
