A whole new generation of young people are angry, vocal, and want Sabah and Sarawak to have full autonomy within the federation.
– James Chin, professor of Asian studies, University of Tasmania
After 59 years since the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, a suggestion was made recently to tear up an international treaty – the sacred Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) – and come up with a new one.
Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had on July 2 at the Sabah BN Convention suggested that the Sabah Barisan leadership propose a new Malaysia Agreement.
To some, this might sound like a good idea considering the many aspects of MA63 related to Sabah and Sarawak have not been implemented.
He said the new agreement had to be underpinned by a new spirit, context and aspirations in restoring the rights and interests of Sabah, and at the same time, strengthening the Federation of Malaysia.
To this, I would say there is a reluctance to implement the original spirit, terms and conditions of MA63. Therefore, I cannot see any new spirit materialising, much less implementing it.
I also view the term “strengthening the Federation of Malaysia” with great suspicion. Indeed, maintaining the rule of law, good governance, and racial and religious harmony would go a long way towards strengthening the federation.
Perhaps ‘strengthening’ here refers to over-centralising the federation rather than autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak.
“We must have a way out of this issue. It has been going on for so long and the people of Sabah want a concrete way forward. At this current level of negotiation, I don’t think it leads to the expected understanding and agreement,” said Mohamad Hasan.
Well, it is within the Prime Minister and Putrajaya’s power for a way out – and a way forward. Just implement MA63. The failure to do so lies at the federal level.
Added Mohamad Hasan: “Maybe we need a new agreement. In my opinion, the spirit and aspirations of MA63 are in a very different context. Time has changed. Malaysia is also a lot different now.”
I personally can only see that Sabahans and Sarawakians would, in fact, aspire to have even more autonomy than stated in MA63. I doubt the Malayans will grant this. In the context of his mention about “time has changed’ and ‘Malaysia is also a lot different now’, I would agree, but not necessarily for the better.
Politically and racially, I am sure you would agree that Malaysia has become more polarised due to the self-interest of politicians – especially in Malaya – who stir up people’s sentiments to grab votes.
Actually, when I first read the statement made by the BN leader, my initial reaction was one of disappointment. If, after 59 years, they do not even want to stick to the terms of the 1963 agreement, than what can a new Malaysia agreement solve?
I am unsure whether it was an off-the-cuff or crafted statement. Whichever one it is, it should not even be discussed at any official level.
At the least, it is a silly suggestion. At the other end of the spectrum, the proposal could be considered a nefarious plan to strip away even more rights.
The statement in its entirety is ill-conceived, most likely duplicitous and an attempt to divert the attention of Sabahans and Sarawakians.
Another important point to note is that the very fact a new agreement has been proposed is admittance that Putrajaya has failed to honour the agreement.
The proposal saw some support from a minority of politicians in Sabah and Sarawak. Fortunately, most sensible politicians here and all from GPS have rejected the proposal.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah labelled it “a crazy idea”. Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said it was “nonsense”.
Meanwhile, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, just back from his high profile ground-breaking and productive visit to Singapore, has dismissed outright the proposal for a new agreement.
He focuses on implementing conditions enshrined in MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee Report.
He has made gains for Sarawak with more on the way. One gain is for Sarawak to be represented on the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negara board.
Abang Johari also said the current negotiations involved special allocations to Sarawak, as stated in the Federal Constitution.
To date, I have not seen much goodwill from Malayan politicians. All rights gained by Sarawak over the last few years have been hard fought for.
If there was, indeed, heartfelt concern for Sarawak and Sabah, then under the MA63 and in the spirit of its associated documents, all the terms would be implemented immediately in its entirety.
Forget a new Malaysia agreement. It is time to honour MA63. Just do it!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
