Sabahan News Online

Mosses PA Ampang

The RSNB strongly believes that advocating for independence provides Sabah with the best opportunity to efficiently manage its abundant natural resources for economic growth and improved living standards. By obtaining independence, Sabah would have direct control over its resources, allowing for the development of sustainable industries, the promotion of local entrepreneurship, and targeted investments in infrastructure projects. This autonomy would expedite progress and prosperity in the region.

Furthermore, independence would enable Sabah to establish its own defense and security systems, tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of the region. Assuming responsibility for security would allow for better border control, combating cross-border crimes, and safeguarding coastal areas. These enhanced security measures would provide peace of mind to citizens and create a conducive environment for economic growth, tourism, and social development.

One of the key advantages of independence is the autonomy it grants in decision-making processes. Sabah would have the power to develop policies, regulations, and governance structures aligned with its aspirations and priorities. This autonomy would ensure the optimal utilization of resources and opportunities for the benefit of all Sabahans, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the region's achievements.

Independence also opens doors for regional cooperation and collaboration, not only within Malaysia but also with neighboring countries and international organizations. As an independent entity, Sabah could actively engage in regional initiatives, leverage its unique strengths, and maximize economic cooperation for mutual benefits.

Preserving the region's unique identity and cultural heritage is another crucial aspect of independence. Sabah would have the freedom to celebrate and safeguard its rich cultural heritage, traditions, languages, and customs. This cultural autonomy would strengthen the sense of belonging and foster a strong spirit of unity among the people of Sabah.

The RSNB acknowledges that the decision to pursue independence is a significant and complex undertaking. However, they firmly believe that embracing independence would unleash Sabah's full potential, chart its own course towards progress, and ensure a brighter future for its people.

The organization calls upon fellow Sabahans who share their vision to engage in constructive dialogue, explore the opportunities that independence presents, and work collectively to build a prosperous and self-governing Sabah. They urge the community to seize this opportunity to shape their own destiny and create a future that reflects their aspirations, potential, and the best interests of Sabah.

Mosses PA Ampang, President of the Republic of Sabah North Borneo NGO, concludes the statement by expressing the organization's commitment to advocating for independence and creating a prosperous future for Sabah.

SSRANZ President Robert Pei and Bopimafo President Daniel John Jambun commended Tan Sri Wan Junaidi for his speech at the Sabah Colloquium on 4 July 2023, where he emphasized the right of nations to self-determination. They highlighted that self-determination is an inalienable legal right recognized by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution (UNGAR) 1514, which allows colonies to determine their destiny and political independence without foreign interference.

On the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Malaysia Agreement (MA63), the NGO leaders raised concerns about whether the people of Sabah and Sarawak have truly achieved self-determination and the promised development progress and prosperity. They disagreed with the notion that the Cobbold Commission of Enquiry's findings, indicating two-thirds of the people supported integration into Malaysia, constituted a valid exercise of self-determination.

The NGO leaders pointed out that the Cobbold Commission's findings were based on a selective survey of opinions rather than a referendum under UNGAR 1541. They stressed that the commission's report was not legally binding and did not fulfill the requirements for a free choice or self-determination by the people in accordance with UNGAR 1541. The commission was merely an inquiry and not a proper referendum, which was necessary for the people to express their wishes on the federation question.

They further criticized the composition of the Cobbold Commission, consisting of British and Malayan officials, which they considered a conflict of interest. The NGO leaders argued that the commission's purpose was to facilitate the implementation of the Malaysia concept, denying the people of North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak their right to genuine self-determination and independence.

The NGO leaders also highlighted the Manila Accord signed between the Malayan, Indonesian, and Philippine governments, which called for a United Nations assessment of the people's wishes on Malaysia and the resolution of the Sulu Claim on Sabah. By accepting the terms of the Accord, the British and Malayan governments indirectly acknowledged that the people's consent had not been properly obtained through a referendum.

The statement by SSRANZ and Bopimafo emphasized that the Cobbold Commission's report was not a legally binding document and should not be considered a substitute for a proper referendum. They contended that the report, along with the entire process leading to the Malaysia Agreement 1963, was tainted with illegalities and used to legitimize Malaysia's formation.

The NGO leaders concluded that the lack of real self-determination for Sabah and Sarawak was evident by the ongoing Sulu Claim, which still challenges Sabah's sovereignty. They argued that a proper referendum in 1963, as advocated by the Philippines, could have resolved the claim and allowed the people of Sabah to choose between Malaysia, independence, or another state.

The statement by SSRANZ and Bopimafo, raises significant concerns about the historical context and legal basis of Sabah's integration into Malaysia. As the debate on Sabah's self-determination continues, it remains to be seen how the Malaysian government and relevant stakeholders will address these issues and ensure the rightful representation of the Sabah people's aspirations and interests.

The SSRANZ and Bopimafo Presidents said in conclusion, there was no real self-determination for Sabah or Sarawak is highlighted by the fact that Sulu claim is still alive and continues to be asserted by the claimants. The resolution of the claim could have been achieved in a proper referendum in 1963 whereby the Sabah people were seen to have cast a vote to choose Malaysia, Philippines or independence. 

The late Philippines Diosdado Macapagal said in 1982: “In laying claim to North Borneo in pursuance of the legal and historic rights and the security interests of the Philippines, we recognize the cardinal principle of self-determination of which the Philippines has been a steadfast adherent. 

In the prosecution, of our valid claim, it is agreeable to us that at an appropriate time, the people of North Borneo should be given an opportunity to determine whether they would wish to be independent or whether they would wish to be a part of the Philippines or be placed under another state. 

Such referendum, however, should be authentic and bona fide by holding it under conditions, preferably supervised by the United Nations that would insure effective freedom to the people of North Borneo to express their true and enlightened will.”

The joint statement received endorsements from various political parties, NGOs and individuals, including Doris Jones of the Sabah Sarawak Union, Lina Soo, President of ASPIRASI, Voon Lee Shan, President of Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Mosses Paul Anap, President of the Republic of Sabah North Borneo NGO. The signatories collectively questioned the validity of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and called for a reevaluation of the process through which Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaysia.

Robert Pei

President SSRANZ 

Daniel Jambun
President of the Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (Bopimafo).

Mosses Paul Anap
President of NGO- Republic of Sabah North Borneo

Emily Elvera Edward
Woman Council Office & Secretariat.
Sabah Sarawak Borneo Natives Organisation Incorporated of Australia.

Endorsed by: NGOS & individuals

1. Doris Jones Sabah Sarawak Union – SSU

2. Kanul Gindol Chairman Gindol Initiative for Civil Society

3. Ricky Ganang Penasihat Persatuan Kebudayaan Orang Darat Sabah 

4. Jovilis Majami President Persatuan  pembangunan sosial komunity Sabah (BANGUN)

5. Wainin Setimin President Pertubuhan Prihatin Mualaf Sabah 

6. Cleftus Stephen Mojingol President Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Rumpun Dayak Sabah.

8. PBK Life President- Yu Chin Lik

9. PBK President- Voon Lee Shan

10. Lina Soo - ASPIRASI President

11. Peter John Jaban-Deputy President for Global Human Rights Federation Borneo.

12. Alim Ga Mideh for Bulang Birieh Dayak

13. Lawrance Clement Ahsay for Bulang Dayak Bukit Kelingkang

14. Buln Ribos- Sarawak Rights activist

Reference:

The Vibes: Sabahans Self-Determination Trumps Any Treaty_Wan Junaidi