By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 31: Australia-based groups, the Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB) and Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ) have called for an end to the corruption that has plagued politics since the formation of Malaysia in 1963, hindering the progress of Sabah and Sarawak.
In a joint statement, RSNB president Mosses PA Ampang and SSRANZ president Robert Pei expressed strong support for the efforts of Sabah university students, who have proposed to organise a demonstration against corruption today.
“It is important to recognise that corruption at the federal level has played a pivotal role in nurturing the culture of corruption that continues to plague Sabah and Sarawak. The creation of Malaysia itself was marred by corruption at the highest levels, with the British bribery of their nominees to sign the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This historical precedent set the tone for political practices that have continued unchecked at the federal level, which in turn fostered similar corrupt practices in Sabah and Sarawak,” they claimed.
The groups highlighted that the political systems in both States have suffered due to this pervasive culture of corruption.
They argued that this culture, originating from the top, has filtered down to local governance, undermining public trust and impeding the growth and progress of both States.
RSNB and SSRANZ also contended that corruption had facilitated the federal government’s control over the governments of the two Borneo States, eroding their ability to exercise self-governance by compromising transparency and accountability.
“Corruption is a cancer that erodes public trust, weakens institutions, and hampers Sabah’s development. No individual, political organisation or institution should be beyond scrutiny.
“Anti-corruption efforts must be inclusive and non-selective, targeting all forms of wrongdoing regardless of rank or affiliation. Transparency and accountability must remain the cornerstone of governance in Sabah,” they emphasised.
As organisations dedicated to achieving true self-determination for Sabah and Sarawak, the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) reiterated their commitment to upholding principles of integrity, accountability, and self-governance.
They praised the students’ activism as a testament to the resilience of Sabah’s youth, who are rejecting the status quo of corruption and injustice.
“Their commitment to demanding accountability is an inspiration to all Sabahans, and we fully support their call for a government free from corruption.
“We urge that these efforts be conducted fairly and impartially, ensuring that all forms of corruption are addressed without bias or selective targeting. The future of Sabah rests on the shoulders of its youth, and their efforts must be guided by integrity, transparency, and the pursuit of the greater good.”
The NGOs reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to fighting corruption in all its forms as part of their broader campaign for Sabah and Sarawak’s self-determination.
As Sabah moves forward, RSNB and SSRANZ call on all Sabahans to unite in pursuit of a just, transparent, and sovereign State.
“It is only through collective action—free from corruption and external interference—that we can achieve true independence and prosperity. We reiterate our commitment to championing these principles and urge all stakeholders—political leaders, institutions, and civil society—to uphold the values of democracy, accountability, and the people’s right to self-determination,” they concluded.
The statement was also endorsed by Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) president Daniel John Jambun, Sarawakians for Sarawak and Saya Anak Sarawak founder Peter John Jaban, Sabah Sarawak Borneo Natives Organisation of Australia president Emily Edward and plaintiff of MA63 2018 case Yu Chin Liik. — DayakDaily