The Iban's fear to the idea of Malaysia is now a reality, says Baru

KUCHING, Nov 14, 2014: The fear among the majority of the Ibans when they opposed the idea of Malaysia in 1963 is a reality today, a well-known land rights lawyer and state lawmaker Baru Bian pointed out at the Sarawak Business Summit yesterday.

"Sarawakians are left far behind in our stride towards building a developed nation and treated as less equal in many areas, specifically agreed under the 18/20 agreements," he said at the "Special Leaders Forum: The Future of Sarawak", an event of the Sarawak Business Summit.

He said the report of the Cobbold Commission on the response of the predominantly Iban tribes to the idea of Malaysia is prophetic.

He said it was reported that they were opposed to the idea that Sarawak should be treated as only one of 15 States in a Federation of Malaysia, that they maintained that this would give her too small a voice in the new Federation’s affairs.

"There was fear too that a large proportion of Sarawak’s revenue would be handed over to the Federal Government without a corresponding return in the shape of service to the people of Sarawak.

"I am afraid that fear is a reality today. Sarawakians are left far behind in our stride towards building a developed nation and treated as less equal in many areas," he said.

Baru, the state lawmaker for Ba'Kelalan, said political observers had said the key to cultivating unity towards national integration between Sarawak and Sabah with Malaya is to overcome the national historical amnesia about Sabah and Sarawak’s equal partnership in the federation.

"Recognition must first be made of the pre-guaranteed rights pursuant to the 18/20 Agreements, which were affirmed and recommended by the Cobbold Commission.

"Like any marriages that have deteriorated, a process of reconciliation must commence immediately to restore the relationship, and in the context of our discussion, in the hope that we may move forward towards our common desire for a national integration of all races in Malaysia," he added.

He pointed out due to the so-called political tsunami of 3/08 that swept the nation, and the outcome of GE13, the political focus was once again on the two Borneo states as it was prior to 1963.

"It dawned upon all political leaders that winning the support of the two Borneo States is crucial for the control of Putrajaya.

"Perhaps, this is a blessing in disguise as some of these States’ rights, which were conveniently abandoned by federal leaders in the past, may now be revisited.

"First and foremost the step to recognise 16th September, as a Malaysia Day must be lauded as it signals a gesture of one willing to accept historical truth.

"As in the case of marriage, it is recognising one’s neglects of duties and responsibilities to the other.

"But declaring the day as a public holiday per se brings no significance to Sabahans and Sarawakians without pondering and recognizing the terms of the agreements that made 16th September possible.

"Therefore it is my submission that for national integration to truly begin, at least between the two Borneo States and Malaya, these rights must be examined and dealt with, though after 50 years since Malaysia, I guess it is still better late than never," he suggested.