For a freer and Happier Borneo

Borneo Herald

For a Freer and Happier Borneo

Petronas decommissioning Kimanis-Bintulu pipeline is systemic failing of Sabah, Sarawak by the Federal

                         Daniel John Jambun 

                                 Robert Pei

The full Statement:

PRESS STATEMENT BY BOPIMAFO AND SSRANZ

1st February 2025 

CALLING ON PETRONAS TO DECOMMISSION ITS OPERATIONS IN SABAH AND SARAWAK AND RETURN OIL AND GAS WEALTH TO THE PEOPLE  

We, the Borneo Peoples’ Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BOPIMAFO) and the Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ), strongly condemn the continued exploitation of Sabah and Sarawak’s oil and gas resources by Petronas and the federal government of Malaysia. The recent reports of Petronas decommissioning the $4.6 billion Kimanis-Bintulu gas pipeline, merely 10 years after its construction, is a stark reminder of the mismanagement and disregard for the rights and well-being of the people of Sabah and Sarawak.  

This pipeline, built using wealth siphoned from Sabah and Sarawak, is a symbol of the systemic plunder of our resources. Instead of benefiting the people of Sabah and Sarawak, the profits from our oil and gas have been used to develop Peninsular Malaysia and enrich its elites, leaving our territories impoverished and underdeveloped. This is a blatant violation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the promises made to the people of Sabah and Sarawak when Malaysia was formed. The decommissioning of the pipeline is not just a technical decision; it is a symbol of the federal government’s failure to honour its promises and its continued colonial-style exploitation of our lands.  

Malaysia was established to develop Sabah and Sarawak, not to turn them into colonies for resource exploitation. However, the federal government has consistently centralised control over our territories, undermining our rights and autonomy. The illegal dismissal of Sarawak’s Chief Minister, Stephen Kalong Ningkan, in 1966 marked the beginning of this erosion of our rights. This was followed by the introduction of oppressive and unconstitutional laws such as the Continental Shelf Act 1966 (CSA66), the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74), and the Territorial Seas Act 2012 (TSA2012) which stripped Sabah and Sarawak of control over our natural resources.  

 The Plunder of Sabah and Sarawak’s Wealth  

Petronas, as the federal government’s instrument, has been at the forefront of this exploitation. The oil and gas extracted from Sabah and Sarawak have fueled Malaya’s development, building its cities, highways, and industries, while our regions remain among the poorest in Malaysia. The Kimanis-Bintulu pipeline is just one example of how our resources are used to enrich others while we are left with environmental degradation, neglected infrastructure, and broken promises.  

It is estimated that 95% of Sabah and Sarawak’s oil and gas revenues are taken by the federal government, with only a pittance returned to our regions. This systematic theft has perpetuated underdevelopment, poverty, and inequality in Sabah and Sarawak, while Malaya thrives on our stolen wealth.  

Our Demands 

We call on Petronas to:  

1. **Immediately decommission all its operations in Sabah and Sarawak** and cease the exploitation of our oil and gas resources.  

2. **Hand over all assets and investments** created using the wealth of Sabah and Sarawak to the rightful owners – the people of Sabah and Sarawak.  

3. **Provide a full account of all revenues** generated from our resources and compensate Sabah and Sarawak for decades of exploitation.  

4. **Pay reparations for the decades of environmental damage, economic exploitation, and underdevelopment** caused by its operations.  

We also call on the federal government of Malaysia to:  

1. **Restore the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in MA63**, including full control over our natural resources.  

2. **Repeal oppressive and unconstitutional laws** such as the **Continental Shelf Act 1966, the Petroleum Development Act 1974, and the Territorial Seas Act 2012**, which stripped Sabah and Sarawak of their rights.  

3. **Compensate Sabah and Sarawak for the trillions of dollars in oil and gas revenues stolen over the past six decades.**  

A Call for Justice and Independence 

The people of Sabah and Sarawak have endured **six decades of exploitation, marginalisation, and broken promises** in Malaysia. We are treated as colonies, not equal partners, in a federation that was supposed to bring us development and prosperity. Instead, we have been left impoverished, while our resources are used to develop Malaya and enrich its elites.  

Our struggle for **justice and independence** is not just a political issue; it is a moral imperative. We stand in solidarity with all oppressed peoples around the world who fight for their rights, dignity, and self-determination. Just as the world supports the Palestinian struggle for freedom, we call on the international community to **recognize and support the legitimate aspirations of the people of Sabah and Sarawak**.  

The time has come to end the colonial exploitation of Sabah and Sarawak. **We demand the return of our stolen wealth, the restoration of our rights, and the freedom to determine our own future.**  

Enough is enough!

**Signed:** **01/02/2025**  

**Danial John Jambun**  

President, Borneo Peoples’ Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BOPIMAFO)  

**Robert Pei**  

President, Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)

Berikut adalah terjemahan dalam Bahasa Malaysia:

**KENYATAAN MEDIA OLEH BOPIMAFO DAN SSRANZ**  

**1 Februari 2025**  

### **MENYERU PETRONAS UNTUK MENAMATKAN OPERASINYA DI SABAH DAN SARAWAK SERTA MENGEMBALIKAN KEKAYAAN MINYAK DAN GAS KEPADA RAKYAT**  

Kami, Yayasan Penderitaan Rakyat Borneo di Malaysia (BOPIMAFO) dan Hak Sabah Sarawak Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ), dengan tegas mengecam eksploitasi berterusan terhadap sumber minyak dan gas Sabah serta Sarawak oleh Petronas dan kerajaan persekutuan Malaysia. Laporan terbaru mengenai tindakan Petronas untuk menamatkan operasi paip gas Kimanis-Bintulu bernilai USD 4.6 bilion, hanya selepas 10 tahun pembinaannya, adalah bukti jelas salah urus serta pengabaian terhadap hak dan kesejahteraan rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak.  

Paip gas ini, yang dibina dengan hasil kekayaan yang disedut keluar dari Sabah dan Sarawak, adalah simbol rompakan sistematik terhadap sumber daya kita. Sebaliknya, keuntungan daripada minyak dan gas kita digunakan untuk membangunkan Semenanjung Malaysia serta memperkayakan golongan elitnya, sementara wilayah kita terus kekal miskin dan tidak berkembang. Ini adalah pelanggaran nyata terhadap Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 (MA63) dan janji-janji yang dibuat kepada rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak semasa pembentukan Malaysia. Penamatan operasi paip ini bukan sekadar keputusan teknikal; ia adalah bukti kegagalan kerajaan persekutuan untuk menunaikan janji-janjinya serta meneruskan eksploitasi gaya kolonial terhadap tanah air kita.  

Malaysia ditubuhkan dengan tujuan untuk membangunkan Sabah dan Sarawak, bukan menjadikan kami sebagai koloni untuk dieksploitasi. Namun, kerajaan persekutuan terus memusatkan kawalan ke atas wilayah kami dan menindas hak serta autonomi kami. Penyingkiran tidak sah Ketua Menteri Sarawak, Stephen Kalong Ningkan, pada tahun 1966 menandakan permulaan kepada hakisan hak kami. Ini diikuti dengan pengenalan undang-undang yang menindas dan tidak berperlembagaan seperti **Akta Pelantar Benua 1966 (CSA66), Akta Pembangunan Petroleum 1974 (PDA74), dan Akta Laut Wilayah 2012 (TSA2012)** yang telah merampas kawalan Sabah dan Sarawak ke atas sumber asli kami.  

### **Rompakan Kekayaan Sabah dan Sarawak**  

Petronas, sebagai instrumen kerajaan persekutuan, berada di barisan hadapan dalam eksploitasi ini. Minyak dan gas yang diekstrak dari Sabah dan Sarawak telah digunakan untuk membangun Semenanjung Malaysia – membina bandar-bandar, lebuh raya, dan industri-industri mereka, sementara Sabah dan Sarawak kekal antara wilayah termiskin di Malaysia. Paip Kimanis-Bintulu hanyalah satu contoh bagaimana sumber kita digunakan untuk memperkayakan orang lain sementara kita ditinggalkan dengan kemusnahan alam sekitar, infrastruktur yang diabaikan, dan janji-janji kosong.  

Dianggarkan **95% daripada hasil minyak dan gas Sabah dan Sarawak disedut oleh kerajaan persekutuan**, dengan hanya sedikit yang dikembalikan ke wilayah kami. Kecurian sistematik ini telah menyebabkan kemunduran berterusan, kemiskinan, dan ketidaksamaan di Sabah dan Sarawak, sementara Semenanjung Malaysia menikmati kekayaan hasil daripada sumber kita yang dicuri.  

### **Tuntutan Kami**  

Kami menyeru Petronas untuk:  

1. **Segera menamatkan semua operasinya di Sabah dan Sarawak** serta menghentikan eksploitasi terhadap sumber minyak dan gas kami.  

2. **Menyerahkan semua aset dan pelaburan** yang telah dibina menggunakan kekayaan Sabah dan Sarawak kepada pemilik sebenar – rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak.  

3. **Mendedahkan sepenuhnya rekod hasil pendapatan** yang dijana daripada sumber kami dan membayar pampasan kepada Sabah dan Sarawak atas eksploitasi selama beberapa dekad.  

4. **Membayar ganti rugi atas kerosakan alam sekitar, eksploitasi ekonomi, dan kemunduran pembangunan** akibat operasi Petronas di Sabah dan Sarawak.  

Kami juga menuntut kerajaan persekutuan Malaysia untuk:  

1. **Mengembalikan hak Sabah dan Sarawak seperti yang termaktub dalam MA63**, termasuk kawalan penuh ke atas sumber asli kami.  

2. **Membatalkan undang-undang yang menindas dan tidak berperlembagaan** seperti **Akta Pelantar Benua 1966, Akta Pembangunan Petroleum 1974, dan Akta Laut Wilayah 2012** yang telah merampas hak Sabah dan Sarawak.  

3. **Membayar pampasan kepada Sabah dan Sarawak atas trilion dolar hasil minyak dan gas yang telah dicuri selama enam dekad terakhir.**  

### **Seruan Kepada Keadilan dan Kebebasan**  

Rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak telah menanggung **enam dekad eksploitasi, peminggiran, dan janji-janji yang dimungkiri** dalam Malaysia. Kami dilayan seperti koloni, bukan sebagai rakan setara dalam persekutuan yang sepatutnya membawa pembangunan dan kesejahteraan kepada kami. Sebaliknya, kami dibiarkan miskin sementara sumber kami digunakan untuk membangunkan Semenanjung Malaysia dan memperkayakan golongan elit mereka.  

Perjuangan kami untuk **keadilan dan kebebasan** bukan sekadar isu politik; ia adalah satu tuntutan moral. Kami berdiri teguh bersama semua bangsa yang tertindas di seluruh dunia dalam perjuangan mereka untuk hak, maruah, dan penentuan nasib sendiri. Seperti mana dunia menyokong perjuangan rakyat Palestin untuk kebebasan, kami menyeru masyarakat antarabangsa untuk **mengiktiraf dan menyokong aspirasi sah rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak**.  

Sudah tiba masanya untuk menghentikan eksploitasi kolonial terhadap Sabah dan Sarawak. **Kami menuntut pemulangan kekayaan kami yang dicuri, pemulihan hak kami, dan kebebasan untuk menentukan masa depan kami sendiri.**  

**Cukup sudah!**  

**Ditandatangani:** **01/02/2025**  

**Danial John Jambun**  

Presiden, Yayasan Penderitaan Rakyat Borneo di Malaysia (BOPIMAFO)  

**Robert Pei**  

Presiden, Hak Sabah Sarawak Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)

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The Tussles of Oil and Gas between Sarawak GPS government and Petronas

PRESS STATEMENT

19 January, 2025

Re: The Tussle of Oil and Gas between Sarawak GPS government and PETRONAS

Nowhere was there any agreement by Sarawak before Malaysia was created, that Sarawak had agreed that the federal government could take over the control and ownership of Sarawak’s oil and gas resources. It was in 1974 with the passing of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) that Sarawak lost this right. 

Sarawak has the right to take her oil and gas back because this had been “robbed” by the federal government from Sarawak and had these resources vested in PETRONAS by passing the PDA74. It is not morally and politically right for the federal government or the government of Malaya, to continue to control and exploit these resources through PETRONAS. I say government of Malaya because United Nations Record showed Malaya changed her name to Malaysia after Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak were acquired as her territories by Malaysia Agreement 1963 on 16 September, 1963.

It has been estimated some years ago that Sarawak lost roughly RM110 billion annually of her crude oil pumped by PETRONAS from sixty oil wells off the shores of Sarawak after the passing of PDA74. It was disclosed by a past CEO of PETRONAS that Sarawak was producing at least 850,000 barrels of crude oil daily pumped by PETRONAS.

Source: By Bernama - August 18, 2017 @ 9:58pm (BUSINESS TIMES) KUCHING: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) currently has 60 oil and gas- (O&G) producing fields in Sarawak producing an average of 850,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, said its President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin.

What Sarawak used to get back annually was always less than RM5 billion as development fund. 

The Sarawak GPS government should take steps to reclaim these oil and gas resources back by seeking the federal parliament to repeal the Petroleum Development Act 1974(PDA74) and other relevant Acts. At the same time, PDA74 should be declared in Dewan Undangan Negri as not applicable to Sarawak as we did not consent the passing of PDA74 to take away our rights. This is to let people know the stand of the Sarawak government concerning these resources. 

I am of the opinion that the taking of our oil and gas resources is illegal, wrong or unconstitutional because Article 13 of the federal constitution mentions that there could not be any acquisition of property without adequate compensation. In legal term, the meaning of “person” in Article 13 includes any legal entity who could act and who are capable of possessing legal rights and liabilities and this could mean to include Sarawak and/or Sarawak government. 

So far, no record could be traced to prove that Sarawak had been compensated by the federal government for the loss of these resources.

Therefore, from what the public could adduce at the moment concerning the recent tussle concerning the oil and gas resources in Sarawak, between Sarawak GPS government and PETRONAS is that, with Sarawak government agreeing not to interfere with Petronas’ role under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Sarawak GPS government is considered by Sarawakians to have effectively surrendered Sarawak’s lawful right to the control and possession of Sarawak’s oil and gas resources to the federal government. 

Please see Benar News dated 16 January, 2025

Prime Minister Dato Anwar Ibrahim disclosed, “Petronas will retain its national authority over oil and gas even as Petros takes control of gas distribution in Sarawak.” This means, the ownership of oil and gas still rests with the federal government but vested in the hands of PETRONAS, while Sarawak is to take the role as a “delivery boy” or as distributor of oil and gas in Sarawak only. 

By agreeing not to interfere or to let Petronas to continue its operations under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the state government is viewed by public to have compromised Sarawak’s sovereignty and the economic potential of its resources.

This clearly shows that Sarawak had lost her battle in the control, return and/or acquisition of her own oil and gas resources, which rightly belonged to Sarawak. The federal government and Petronas continue to profit significantly from Sarawak’s oil and gas reserves, while the people of Sarawak see limited returns and benefits. This arrangement perpetuates an imbalance of power and wealth, where Malaya benefits at Sarawak’s expense.

VOON LEE SHAN

President, Parti Bumi Kenyalang.

MA63 null and void

MA63 is a null and void agreement. All parties need to realise this and Malaysia could not be formed in the first place because MA63 was a null and void international agreement.

Even if MA63 was a valid agreement at the time it was signed, the fundamental breaches of the agreement had caused the Agreement to collapse. Further, when Singapore was no more part of Malaysia, the foundation of the agreement collapsed. The pillars that supported the agreement had collapsed when Singapore being one of the pillars of the agreement is no more part of Malaysia effective 1965.

Therefore, there is nothing to negotiate about the seats in parliament. Sabah and Sarawak should find ways on how to declare leaving Malaysia. The first thing to do is that parties should recognise that MA63 is a void and an invalid agreement and therefore, unenforceable. Parties should part ways. After that , parties may wish to work and decide on how or whether a new Malaysia need to be formed with new terms agreeable to all parties.

But we need to understand Sabah and Sarawak should insist all its oil and gas resources and sea territories be returned to Sabah and Sarawak. It was estimated Sarawak lost about RM110 billion while Sabah lost RM90 billion annually of their crude oil wealth to the federal government with these resources vested in the hands of PETRONAS. 

Some years ago, of I could recall correctly, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah disclosed that the federal government owed Sarawak RM630 billion of the five percent oil royalty. Had this been paid to Sarawak? So far I didn't hear anything about it 

Voon Lee Shan 

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS69tRu8k/

 n

..

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS69tRu8k/

Sarawak and Sabah as free and independent countries

*SARAWAK AND SABAH AS FREE AND INDEPENDENT COUNTRIES*

*Imagine the wealth of resources and opportunities that could be liberated from Malaya's apartheid-like governance and foreign domination if both Sarawak and Sabah were free and independent!*

List of the economic and social advantages for Sarawak & Sabah gaining independence from Malaya, incorporating the aspect of financial strength through control of oil and gas resources:

### Economic Advantages

**Economic and Social Advantages of Independence for Sarawak and Sabah**

1. **Sovereign Resource Control**: With independence, Sarawak and Sabah would have complete authority over their rich oil and gas reserves, allowing them to manage these assets locally and maximise revenue directly for state development. We no longer contribute all our resources to develop Malaya and enrich its elites.

2. **Financial Autonomy**: Control over oil and gas production and other resources would generate significant revenue, funding robust public services, infrastructure projects, and economic initiatives, free from federal redistribution.

3. **Diverse Economic Growth**: Independence would allow Sarawak and Sabah to reinvest resource profits into sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology, reducing dependency on resource extraction and boosting overall economic resilience.

4. **Tailored Trade Relations**: Free from federal constraints, an independent Sarawak or Sabah could form trade agreements that better reflect local needs and create more favourable conditions for exports and economic partnerships.

5. **Increased Investment**: Independence could attract targeted investments from foreign and local entities, focusing on the unique economic opportunities of Sarawak and Sabah, fuelling sustainable growth.

6. **Localised Development**: Greater economic control would support development initiatives focused on specific local needs, driving inclusive growth and regional empowerment.

### Social Advantages

1. **Cultural Revival**: Independence could allow Sarawak and Sabah to protect and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage, fostering a society that honours indigenous traditions free from the pressures of a dominant racial or religious narrative.

2. **Community Empowerment**: Independent governance would enable policies that support local community autonomy, amplifying grassroots participation and enhancing local decision-making.

3. **Education Reform**: Sarawak and Sabah could create an education system that aligns with local values, addressing unique regional needs and ensuring equitable access for all ethnic groups.

4. **Social Equity and Justice**: Independence offers an opportunity to address historical grievances and guarantee fair representation for marginalised communities, building a more inclusive society.

5. **Strengthened Identity**: Self-governance would enable Sarawak and Sabah to cultivate a stronger, unified identity, fostering social cohesion and pride among diverse populations.

Independence could unleash Sarawak and Sabah’s full potential, creating a self-reliant, culturally vibrant, and prosperous society free from external race-religion domination.

Robert Pei

Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand

04/011/2024

The Nine Cardinal Principals of Rajah

CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF THE RULE OF THE ENGLISH RAJAHS[1]

1. That Sarawak is the heritage of Our Subjects and is held in trust by Ourselves for them.

2. That social and education services shall be developed and improved and the standard of living of the people of Sarawak shall steadily be raised.

3. That never shall any person or persons be granted rights inconsistent with those of the people of this country or be in any way permitted to exploit Our Subjects or those who have sought Our protection and care.

4. That justice shall be freely obtainable and that the Rajah and every public servant shall be easily accessible to the public.

5. That freedom of expression both in speech and in writing shall be permitted and encouraged and that everyone shall be entitled to worship as he pleases.

6. That public servants shall ever remember that they are but the servants of the people on whose goodwill and co-operation they are entirely dependent.

7. That so far as may be Our Subjects of whatever race or creed shall be freely and impartially admitted to offices in Our Service, the duties of which they may be qualified by their education, ability and integrity duly to discharge.

8. That the goal of self-government shall always be kept in mind, that the people of Sarawak shall be entrusted in due course with the governance of themselves, and that continuous efforts shall be made to hasten the reaching of this goal by educating them in the obligations, the responsibilities, and the privileges of citizenship.

9. That the general policy of Our predecessors and Ourselves whereby the various races of the State have been enabled to live in happiness and harmony together shall be adhered to by Our successors and Our servants and all who may follow them hereafter.

Open Letter to the Premier of Sarawak

OPEN LETTER TO THE PREMIER OF SARAWAK

The Need for Stronger Advocacy for Sarawak's Rights

Dear YAB Premier,

With utmost respect, I write as a concerned Sarawakian to express my profound disappointment with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) in its role in championing Sarawak’s rights and development within the Malaysian Federation. 

Despite its dominant position in the state government, PBB has repeatedly failed to assert Sarawak’s rightful place and autonomy, often yielding excessively to the federal government to the detriment of our people. 

Many Sarawakians feel betrayed by this failure. I do not hesitate to say out loud PBB has failed us.

Before 2014, PBB acted as little more than a proxy for UMNO, reigning supreme only within Sarawak's coalition.  

At the federal level, it is a lame duck, so whatever UMNO / Barisan Nasional (BN) wants, they get it. 

PBB's actions were dictated by UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN), toeing their party line without dissent. 

Instead of serving the people of Sarawak, PBB served UMNO and Barisan Nasional. 

This compliance undermined Sarawak’s position, relegating us to a secondary role and subjecting us to policies and legislation that stifled our growth and progress. 

While we acknowledge that PBB has a limited presence in Parliament, this does not excuse its failure to effectively represent Sarawak's interests and prevent the enactment of oppressive policies that have left Sarawakians burdened by their consequences. 

Because of a weak PBB, Sarawak and Sarawakians are treated like a bunch of patsies. 

Today, we see your administration expending significant resources and time to undo these injustices amidst strong federal resistance. 

These are our concerns that have happened and remain unresolved under the watchful eyes of PBB. 

These matters are not only critical to Sarawak’s progress but also pivotal in ensuring the trust and confidence of your leadership. 

1. Unresolved Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)

The failure to fully resolve the promises of MA63 is a glaring betrayal. 

It symbolizes unfulfilled commitments to Sabah and Sarawak, perpetuating feelings of marginalization, undermining national unity, and hindering equitable development. 

We are expecting your administration to be more forceful in getting MA63 resolved as soon as possible.

2. Development Disparities

Sarawak lags far behind Peninsular Malaysia in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. 

Rural areas remain underserved, with impassable roads, under-resourced healthcare facilities, and limited access to quality education and internet services. 

Given Sarawak's vast contributions to the national economy, such disparities are unjustifiable.

3. Sovereignty Over the Continental Shelf

Sarawak’s rights to manage its natural resources, particularly oil and gas, have been stripped under the Continental Shelf Act 1966 and the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974). 

These laws centralize control of our resources under federal authority, leaving Sarawak with only a fraction of the revenue despite being a major petroleum producer. 

The creation of Petronas compounded this injustice, reducing Sarawak to a minor beneficiary of its own wealth. 

Reclaiming full sovereignty over these resources is essential to respect Sarawak's constitutional rights and economic potential. 

4. The Cabotage Policy

This policy perpetuates exorbitant shipping costs, making goods more expensive in Sarawak than in Peninsular Malaysia. 

It stifles economic growth and competitiveness. 

I highlighted only four critical issues that affect us most profoundly. 

While there are numerous matters deserving attention, addressing all of them would make this letter overly lengthy. 

We appreciate the efforts of your administration in striving for favourable solutions. 

However, we regret to note that, as of now, we have not observed tangible or significant changes that address these pressing concerns.     

Sarawakians have shown patience and resilience, but our patience is finite. 

We expect our leaders to act with courage and decisiveness to safeguard our rights and secure a brighter future for all. 

We expect your administration to take a more assertive stance and expedite the resolution of MA63 to restore the rights and autonomy of Sarawak. 

A more balanced budget is imperative. We call on your administration to be firm and not allow the yearly budget to pass without addressing Sarawak’s development needs adequately. 

Nothing short of full sovereignty over Sarawak’s continental shelf and all the natural resources will appease us. 

The complete removal, not just an exemption of the cabotage policy is necessary to ensure economic fairness and unlock the full potential of Sarawak’s trade and industry. 

   

With Perikatan Harapan now in power, PBB must avoid repeating past mistakes of being overly submissive to UMNO and Barisan Nasional. Instead, PBB must prioritize the interests of Sarawak and its people, ensuring that its voice is strong, independent, and reflective of the state's unique needs and aspirations. 

This approach will ensure that Sarawak’s rights and development remain at the forefront of national priorities.

The ball is now in your court, YAB Premier. The people of Sarawak await your leadership in correcting the wrongs of the past and charting a course towards fairness, justice, and prosperity. 

These are not mere requests but expectations that resonate deeply with the people of Sarawak. 

Be reminded Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) holds a trump card with its significant number of parliamentary seats granting it the role of a “kingmaker”. 

As a “kingmaker”, GPS should ensure every move aligns with the vision for our future legacy. 

To achieve this objective, I am proposing in the future, we should secure these strategic ministerial portfolios, namely: Finance Minister, Economic Minister, Rural Development Minister and Public Works Minister.  

I conclude this letter with a quote from Prof. Tajuddin in his article “Who will command the Malay vote at GE16: Anwar, Hadi or Zahid”. 

It is both patronising and condescending, dismissing our ability to play a significant role in the nation’s politics and development. 

He writes “The Borneo block will just sit and wait. 

This block will never control Malaysia by just sitting in the safety of its own geographical and political boundaries”. 

I hope this statement provokes some serious reflection.

With hope and determination,

Anak Sarawak

Winter 2024/2025

A Federation built on broken promises

*A FEDERATION BUILT ON BROKEN PROMISES*

How Did Sabah and Sarawak Become the "ATMs" of Malaya?

The history of Malaysia's formation and its political trajectory since independence has led to Sabah and Sarawak being systematically exploited for their natural resources, while the promises made to their peoples under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remain largely unfulfilled. 

The reality of how Sabah and Sarawak came to be marginalized, exploited, and relegated to the status of "ATMs" for Malaya stems from several historical, legal, and political facts.

1. *The Unlawful Transfer of Sovereignty (1963)*

*On 16 September 1963,* the newly formed Federation of Malaysia included Sarawak and North Borneo (now Sabah), with the territory effectively handed over from British colonial rule to Malaya. This transfer was carried out under extraordinary circumstances, without a clear legal or democratic basis, amidst a state of emergency where opposition to the formation was heavily suppressed. 

The legitimacy of this transfer was compromised by the failure to honour the self-determination rights of the Indigenous peoples of these territories.

The political process leading to Malaysia’s formation was rushed, and the people of Sabah and Sarawak were not given a genuine opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination in a fully free and fair manner. Instead, their inclusion was largely orchestrated by the interests of Malayan elites, who sought to expand their control over the region’s vast resources.

2. *Malaya Replacing the British as the Colonial Power*

Following the formation of Malaysia, Malaya effectively replaced British colonial rule as the dominant foreign power in the newly united federation. The Malayan military and Special Branch took on the role of suppressing any resistance, particularly in Sarawak, where a significant independence movement was emerging. Thus, while Sarawak and Sabah were promised greater autonomy, the reality was that they became subjects under a new colonial power – Malaya.

3. *Emergency Laws and the Extension of Malayan Control*

From the outset, the governance of Malaysia—encompassing all states, including Sarawak and Sabah—was conducted under emergency laws. The Internal Security Act (ISA) and other draconian measures, initially applied to Malaya, were extended to the Bornean states, effectively suppressing any dissent. These laws, meant for national security purposes, ensured that any challenge to the federal government’s authority or calls for autonomy were swiftly crushed.

This authoritarian governance set the stage for the gradual Malayanization of both Sabah and Sarawak, beginning with the Ningkan Crisis in 1966, which saw Sarawak’s first Chief Minister, Stephen Kalong Ningkan, ousted with the help of the Malayan federal government.

4 *. Breach of MA63 and Systemic Marginalization*

*The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63, if valid)* enshrined guarantees for Sarawak and Sabah, including specific rights to autonomy, control over their natural resources, and a special position in the federation. However, these agreements were systematically violated by the federal government over the decades.

    • The Constitutional amendments, particularly the Constitutional Amendment of 1966 (CSA66), which unlawfully curtailed the political power and autonomy of the Bornean states, breached the principles laid out in MA63. 

    • The imposition of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1971, focused on Ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy), further entrenched the political and economic dominance of Malaya, depriving Sabah and Sarawak of their fair share of development. 

    • Legislative acts like the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) and Act 354 systematically eroded the rights guaranteed to Sabah and Sarawak under MA63. These acts gave the federal government control over key resources, including oil and gas, which had previously been under the jurisdiction of the Bornean states. 

These policies led to the unbridled plundering of Sabah and Sarawak’s resources, which were diverted to fund Malaya's development, leaving the two Bornean states among the poorest and most underdeveloped regions in the federation.

5. *Religious Apartheid and the Rise of Extremism*

From 1971, Malaysia’s political direction shifted, and the country became increasingly dominated by Islamic extremism and Arabization. 

The policies that followed, including the Islamization of the federal government and the introduction of religious education systems, marginalized non-Malay and non-Muslim populations, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where a significant portion of the population is Christian, animist, or adheres to other indigenous belief systems.

This religious apartheid led to increasing Talibanization and Arabization, which further alienated the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak. 

The federation's shift towards a more theocratic state stood in stark contrast to the secular promises made to Sabah and Sarawak under MA63.

6. *Corruption, Mismanagement, and Underdevelopment*

The systemic corruption and lack of transparency in the federal government’s management of Malaysia’s resources became apparent over time. The elites in Malaya, benefiting from Patronage Politics and the dominance of UMNO (United Malays National Organisation), mismanaged the wealth extracted from Sabah and Sarawak. While the Malayan political establishment grew wealthier, the Bornean states, despite their wealth in natural resources, were left to stagnate.

For over 60 years, the people of Sabah and Sarawak faced economic neglect, infrastructural deficiencies, and limited opportunities for development. Sarawak’s oil and gas resources, in particular, were siphoned off to fuel the growth of Malaya, while the Bornean states saw little investment in their own growth or development.

7. *The Rise of Political Discontent*

The marginalization and continued violations of MA63 have led to increasing political discontent in Sabah and Sarawak. The regions' political elites and the people have begun to openly challenge the federal government's failure to honour its promises.

    • *YB Dato Lo Khere Chiang, a prominent GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) leader* , publicly stated in a January 2025 speech that, had a referendum been held, the majority of Sarawakians would have chosen independence. His candid remarks highlight the depth of frustration and resentment felt by Sarawakians who feel betrayed by the federal government. 

    • Dato Lo also remarked that Sarawak’s status had been reduced to that of a “subordinate state”—a vassal rather than an equal partner in the federation. 

    • 

Conclusion: *A Nation Built on Broken Promises*

The story of Sabah and Sarawak's integration into Malaysia is a tale of broken promises, systemic exploitation, and political subjugation. 

Despite the vast wealth generated from their natural resources, the Bornean states have been left impoverished, with their peoples sidelined from the benefits of their own resources. 

The failure to honour MA63, combined with ongoing Malayanization, resource exploitation, and religious apartheid, has led many to question the future of the federation.

As Dato Lo Khere Chiang and others in Sarawak have pointed out, the growing disillusionment among the people of these states suggests that their desire for independence is becoming a more likely outcome. 

Malaysia, as it currently exists, is seen by many as a failed state, with Sabah and Sarawak being relegated to the role of ATM—used to fuel the development of Malaya, while they remain underdeveloped, marginalized, and politically disempowered.

*The call for Sarawakian independence is not merely an expression of frustration—it is a demand for self-determination, for the restoration of their sovereignty, and for the fulfilment of the promises made over six decades ago.*

Opinion by Robert Pei

SSRANZ 

05/01/2025