Monday, 27 October 2025
Every generation faces a defining question. For Sabah’s youth today, that question is this: Will we build our future on our own terms, or continue to serve the interests of Malaya?
Recently, we’ve seen a growing number of young Sabahans joining or declaring support for Malayan-based political parties — Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan — all of which have long dominated Malaysia’s federal landscape. On the surface, these youths claim to champion Sabah’s cause within the national framework. But a deeper look reveals troubling contradictions.
1️⃣ A Question of Awareness
Many of these young recruits appear unaware of the historical context that defines Sabah’s political struggle. When Sabah and Sarawak formed Malaysia in 1963, it was not as mere states — but as equal partners alongside Malaya. This principle was enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and reinforced by constitutional provisions such as Article 112C and 112D, which guarantee Sabah’s right to 40% of federal revenue derived from the state.
Yet for decades, these rights were eroded or ignored.
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Federal control over education, taxation, and natural resources steadily weakened Sabah’s autonomy.
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The 40% revenue entitlement was suspended in 1974 and never restored.
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Today, Sabah remains among the poorest states in Malaysia, despite being rich in oil, gas, timber, and palm oil.
(Sources: Department of Statistics Malaysia, MA63 Review Committee Report 2022, High Court of Sabah & Sarawak ruling 2025)
When our youth pledge loyalty to federal parties without understanding this history, they unknowingly align with the very structures that have kept Sabah dependent and voiceless.
2️⃣ The Political Reality
Federal parties operate from the centre of power in Putrajaya, and their interests — understandably — are national first, not regional.
Historically, the presence of these parties in Sabah has meant:
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Policy control from Kuala Lumpur rather than Kota Kinabalu;
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Funding allocations tied to loyalty, not fairness;
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and the neutralisation of local parties that advocate for autonomy.
For example:
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Under the federal revenue system, Sabah contributes billions through oil and gas but receives only about 5% royalty, far below what even the 1970s formula allowed.
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Federal development expenditure per capita in Sabah is less than half of that in Selangor or Johor, according to the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK-11) and RMK-12 mid-term review.
So when young politicians in Sabah join Malayan parties, they are not joining movements that have historically defended Sabah’s rights — they are joining the very networks that benefit from centralisation.
3️⃣ The Attraction of Power and Position
Let’s be honest: ideology is rarely the draw. Access to power and resources often is.
Local Sabah parties — STAR, PBS, WARISAN, USNO — are smaller, grassroots-based, and financially constrained. They offer principle and purpose, not perks. Federal parties, by contrast, command funding, machinery, and ministerial networks. For ambitious youth with limited name recognition, the path to visibility appears easier there.
But this convenience comes with a cost: complicity. Aligning with national parties while claiming to fight for Sabah’s rights is like pledging independence while wearing chains.
As Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan once said, “You cannot speak of Sabah rights while kneeling before Malaya.” It’s a contradiction that weakens our collective cause.
4️⃣ The Danger of Symbolic Representation
Representation without power is symbolism without substance. Youth who join Malayan parties may be given titles — “Sabah Coordinator,” “Youth Wing Leader,” “Deputy Chairman” — yet decisions still flow from headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
In federal party structures, even state divisions require approval from the national leadership for policy or candidate selection. Sabah’s future, then, remains dictated by voices from across the sea.
That is not empowerment. It is outsourced sovereignty.
5️⃣ A Call for Awareness and Ownership
Sabah’s young generation must decide whether they wish to inherit autonomy or dependency. To stand for Sabah is not to shout slogans — it is to understand the historical, legal, and economic injustices that define our struggle.
We are not anti-Malaya. We are pro-Sabah — and that means demanding fairness, respect, and equality among the three partners of Malaysia.
Sabah and Sarawak have carried this federation for 61 years. It’s time our youth carry the truth.
Key Facts
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Sabah’s contribution to federal revenue (2024 est.): ~RM30–40 billion
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Federal allocation to Sabah (2024 Budget): RM6.6 billion
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Revenue share returned: < 20%
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Poverty rate (Sabah 2023): 19.5%, highest in Malaysia
(Sources: Ministry of Finance Malaysia, DOSM, 2025 Budget Speech)
Conclusion
No generation owes loyalty to those who disregard their rights. Sabah’s youth must rise not as followers, but as custodians of autonomy — informed, courageous, and uncompromising in defending what belongs to us.
Sabah’s future will not be rebuilt by those who serve convenience.
It will be rebuilt by those who serve conviction.
#JusticeForSabah #SabahForSabahan #STAR
