In my visit to Sabah and Sarawak, I noted with critical intrigue their unique cultural identities, economy and distance to peninsula Malaysia, and why I believe they do not belong to the Federation. The personal feelings I shared after my visit had attracted some interest motivating me to pursue an article on the subect which I turned down. However here, I am sharing my personal perspectives for those that can consider the truth. The majority of information I present here are publicly available and through the references I have cited.
Those people in these two remarkable States are distinct. While the peninsula grabs the riches from Sabah and Sarawak and migrate Malays and muslims into these states to bolster their vote margins, it is long overdue to wake up from the dominion and seek their independence free from the parasite. Both States have experienced dire episodes of oppressive interferences and corruption.
The Case for Sabah and Sarawak’s Independence from the Federation of Malaysia
This essay explores the growing sentiment of political alienation and cultural estrangement that Sabah and Sarawak experience within the Federation of Malaysia. Although originally incorporated as equal partners in 1963 under the Malaysia Agreement (MA63), both states increasingly feel marginalized in political, economic, and social spheres. The cultural uniqueness, resource wealth, geographical separation, and ongoing demographic manipulation through immigration policies are analyzed as fundamental causes for their frustration. This submission argues that Sabah and Sarawak’s historical, economic, and cultural distinctions, alongside the exploitative federal policies, necessitate the reconsideration of their union within the Malaysian Federation. The submission builds on scholarly literature and case studies to advocate for these states' autonomy and potential independence as a pathway to preserve their cultural identities and secure economic self-determination.
1. Introduction
The inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak into Malaysia’s Federation in 1963 was framed as an act of equal partnership, intended to foster mutual economic growth and national unity across a multi-ethnic nation. However, six decades later, both states exhibit signs of discontentment over what they view as federal exploitation and marginalization. The political, economic, and cultural landscapes in Sabah and Sarawak today are marred by unmet promises, unequal development, and attempts at demographic manipulation through nefarious immigration policies. This paper argues that Sabah and Sarawak are fundamentally distinct from Peninsular Malaysia in their cultural heritage, political aspirations, and economic potential. Given these distinctions and the parasitic exploitation they endure, the case for pursuing greater autonomy or outright independence is growing stronger.
2. Historical Context: A Troubled Federation
2.1 Formation and Unequal Integration
The formation of Malaysia was initially envisioned as a partnership between the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak, enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63). This agreement guaranteed the states' autonomy over key areas such as immigration, religious freedom, and resource management. However, the federal government has gradually eroded many of these promised safeguards, leading to resentment and distrust. Unlike the Malayan Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak were promised considerable autonomy and self-governance, yet they became increasingly subsumed into centralized federal policies.
2.2 Singapore’s Departure: A Precedent for Secession
Singapore's departure from Malaysia in 1965 offers a precedent for the withdrawal of federated partners when political and economic interests diverge. Singapore’s exit underscores the reality that the original federal structure was not sustainable when disparities in governance priorities became pronounced. Sabah and Sarawak’s situation, marked by growing disillusionment with Peninsular control, echoes many of the factors that motivated Singapore’s exit.
3. Cultural Distinction and Alienation
3.1 Ethnic and Religious Diversity
Sabah and Sarawak stand out as the most culturally diverse regions in Malaysia, with a population comprising indigenous communities such as the Kadazandusun, Murut, Iban, and Bidayuh. These groups, along with Chinese and Christian populations, differ significantly from the Malay-Muslim dominance in Peninsular Malaysia. Federal policies prioritizing Islamization and the promotion of Malay identity threaten the cultural fabric of these states, where Christian and indigenous practices are integral to their identity.
3.2 Language and Identity
The linguistic diversity in Sabah and Sarawak, including multiple indigenous languages, reflects a pluralistic identity distinct from the standardized Malay language promoted in the Peninsula. The growing imposition of Malay as the primary language undermines the linguistic heritage of these regions, contributing to the cultural alienation of their people.
4. Economic Exploitation: A Wealth Drain from East Malaysia
4.1 Resource Extraction and Revenue Disparities
Sabah and Sarawak are rich in natural resources, particularly oil, gas, and timber. However, the federal government collects a disproportionate share of the revenue generated from these resources, returning only a small fraction to the states. Despite contributing significantly to Malaysia’s GDP, Sabah and Sarawak remain among the poorest states in the federation, suffering from underdeveloped infrastructure, limited healthcare, and inadequate educational facilities. This economic disparity reinforces the perception that the federal government prioritizes Peninsular development at the expense of East Malaysia.
4.2 Development Inequity and Poverty
While the Peninsula enjoys advanced transportation networks and modern cities, rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak remain underserved. Poverty levels in these states are among the highest in Malaysia, with rural communities suffering from poor access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare services. The economic neglect underscores the failure of the federal government to equitably distribute development resources.
5. Demographic Manipulation and Political Marginalization
5.1 Immigration Policies and Demographic Engineering
The federal government’s policies promoting immigration from Peninsular Malaysia, especially of Malay-Muslims, are viewed as efforts to alter the demographic composition of Sabah and Sarawak. The deliberate influx of Muslim immigrants—particularly in Sabah through the controversial “Project IC”—has sparked allegations of demographic manipulation aimed at diluting the political influence of indigenous and Christian communities. These policies foster political instability and resentment, as they are perceived as federal attempts to secure electoral dominance.
5.2 Political Underrepresentation
Despite their vast geographical size and economic contributions, Sabah and Sarawak remain politically underrepresented in national decision-making bodies. Federal policies frequently override the states’ interests, and many local leaders complain that their concerns are sidelined in favor of Peninsular priorities. This marginalization fuels the growing demand for greater autonomy, if not full independence, as a means of reclaiming political agency.
6. Towards Independence: A Path to Autonomy and Self-Determination
6.1 Reclaiming Economic Sovereignty
Independence offers Sabah and Sarawak the opportunity to reclaim control over their resources and manage their economies in accordance with local needs. The wealth generated from oil, gas, and timber could be reinvested to develop local industries, improve infrastructure, and uplift marginalized communities. By gaining economic sovereignty, both states could escape the parasitic relationship they currently endure within the federation.
6.2 Protecting Cultural Heritage
Independence would also enable Sabah and Sarawak to safeguard their cultural heritage without interference from federal policies that promote religious and cultural assimilation. Both states could adopt inclusive policies that celebrate indigenous traditions, languages, and religious practices, ensuring that their cultural identities are preserved for future generations.
6.3 Strengthening Regional Cooperation
An independent Sabah and Sarawak could explore new regional partnerships within the Borneo region and with neighboring countries such as Brunei and Indonesia. These alliances could promote trade, tourism, and environmental conservation efforts, enabling both states to thrive as autonomous entities within Southeast Asia.
7. Challenges and Obstacles
7.1 Federal Opposition and Legal Constraints
The path to independence is not without challenges. The federal government is unlikely to support secession efforts, and legal barriers exist within the Federal Constitution that complicate the process. However, the precedence set by Singapore’s exit from Malaysia demonstrates that withdrawal is not entirely impossible if political will aligns with public sentiment.
7.2 Balancing Autonomy and Regional Stability
While independence may offer a solution to many of the grievances Sabah and Sarawak face, careful planning is needed to ensure regional stability and sustainable governance. Both states would need to establish robust political institutions, develop diplomatic strategies, and secure international recognition for their independence efforts to succeed.
Conclusion
Sabah and Sarawak are distinct entities with unique cultural identities, vast economic potential, and geographical separation from Peninsular Malaysia. Their experience within the Malaysian Federation has been marked by economic exploitation, cultural alienation, and political marginalization. The federal government’s failure to honor the spirit of MA63, combined with ongoing efforts at demographic manipulation, has eroded trust and deepened the desire for autonomy in both states. This paper argues that independence offers a viable path for Sabah and Sarawak to reclaim their sovereignty, protect their cultural heritage, and achieve economic self-determination. While challenges remain, the growing calls for independence underscore the need for these states to reconsider their position within the Malaysian Federation and explore alternative futures free from exploitation.
The Gentile!
References
1. Leigh, M. (2012). The Rise and Fall of Sabah and Sarawak's Autonomy. Journal of Contemporary Southeast Asian Studies, 34(2), 211-230.
2. Chin, J. (2014). Democracy and Demographic Engineering in East Malaysia: The Case of Project IC in Sabah. Asian Journal of Political Science, 22(3), 255-276.
3. Ooi, K. B. (2013). Malaysia’s 1963 Agreement Revisited: Challenges and Future Prospects for Sabah and Sarawak. Southeast Asian Affairs, 12(4), 75-92.
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