By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 5: Borneo activists Peter John Jaban and Atama Katama are calling for a renewed focus on the full implementation of Sabah and Sarawak’s autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), warning that the Federal government’s current priorities risk overshadowing this crucial issue.
They emphasised that the Madani Unity government’s existence, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s position in power, would not have been possible without the support of Borneo MPs who withdrew backing for Perikatan Nasional.
In a joint statement today, the activists raised concerns about the Madani Unity government’s commitment to Borneo’s rights, pointing out the irony of the current political landscape.
“At the very least, PMX (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim should remember that his unity government exists because of Borneo MPs. Without Sabah and Sarawak withdrawing their support for Perikatan Nasional, he wouldn’t even be in power,” said Peter John.
He stressed that MA63 is not merely a document but the foundation of Sabah and Sarawak’s place in the Malaysian federation.
“The Federal government must understand that this pursuit is non-negotiable, and our commitment to achieving full compliance remains steadfast,” he added.
Atama echoed these sentiments, emphasising that leaders from Borneo have long championed State autonomy and resource rights, given decades of exploitation and marginalisation.
“As we push forward with MA63, it’s clear that Sabah and Sarawak must remain united and resolute,” he said.
The activists also addressed the Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) corruption scandal, underscoring its potential to distract from the greater goal of autonomy.
The issue gained attention in November after a whistleblower alleged that Sabah assemblymen had been negotiating bribes worth hundreds of thousands of ringgit in exchange for support for a state project.
While acknowledging the importance of tackling local corruption, Peter John and Atama stressed that such incidents should not overshadow the broader fight for autonomy.
“Why does the Federal government focus on Sabah’s supposed shortcomings while Malayan parties are drowning in corruption scandals?” Atama questioned.
He urged the people of Sabah and Sarawak to push harder for the implementation of MA63 while demonstrating their capability for self-governance.
“Decolonisation and full self-government demand that we prove our worth through actions, showing we can manage our resources and affairs responsibly,” he said.
Peter John Jaban concluded, “Self-determination is not just a principle; it is a right. Sabah and Sarawak must show the world that we are stronger than the forces that try to undermine us and that our unity can overcome any attempt to distract from our ultimate goal of autonomy.”
The activists called on leaders from Sabah and Sarawak to remain vigilant and united, ensuring that the rights and aspirations of the people are not overshadowed by exploitation or distractions.
“This is not just a political battle; it is a historical one. The pursuit of autonomy and justice, is non-negotiable,” they declared. — DayakDaily
