Sarawak, Sabah need real political power in negotiating with the federal government, says Professor Chin

KUCHING, Nov 9 2025:Professor Dr James Chin of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania, asserted that Sarawak and Sabah need real political power in their negotiation with the federal government.

Professor James Chin: But beware  the derailers, the smooth-talking Malayans who whisper "compromise"  

He said this means that Sarawak and Sabah together must get 35 per cent of the total number of seats in Dewan Rakyat.

“That's not a wish; it's a constitutional imperative, a rebalancing of the federation we were promised,” he said at a press conference, held together with The Sarawak Initiatives (TSI) here.

“With that bloc, we can negotiate properly. We can ask to be treated properly and fairly. We canask for what is rightfully ours,” Chin, who is also TSI advisor, said.

“We can ask for rectification for the past sixty years of marginalisation,” Chin said.

"But beware the derailers, the smooth-talking Malayans who whisper "compromise" while picking our pockets, and the well-meaning NGOs who support them, using fancy language like democracy and one-man one-vote.

“We cannot afford division. This is our fight to reclaim our destiny. Rise as one and unite as one. For our children, for our children’s children.

“This opportunity will not come our way. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to correct historical wrong in 1965 when the balance was taken away when Singapore was kicked out of the federation,” Chin added.
He said Sarawak is not asking for permission, adding:”We are demanding our due. United, we will not just balance the scales—we will tip them to correct a grave historical mistake.”

He warned that Sarawak will never achieve true economic autonomy over its oil and gas, or even the promise of full control over the education system, without political power to counter the iron grip of the federal government in Putrajaya.

He said the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Oil Mining Ordinance are words on paper, but are powerless against a federal mindset that treats Sarawak and Sabah as a resource bank, not an equal partner.

“This is the story of the two Borneo states for the past sixty years,” he said, adding that oil and gas are not just Sarawak's lifeblood, but are Malaysia's piggy bank.

“ For decades, Petronas has funnelled billions from our continental shelves straight to the federal budget; for a number of years, Petronas dividend to the federal budget accounts for about 40 per cent, and the entire developmental budget.

“All these are facts that can easily be verified. The federal government will never willingly surrender this golden goose. Why would they?

“Would you be willing to give up easy money? I think not.

“You just have to look at Sabah- it took a court case before the federal govt is willing to even

acknowledge they have not been paying the 40 per cent that is in the Constitution.

“So, what is the antidote?

“Simple. Sarawak and must have real political power at the federal level. Sarawak and Sabah

together must get 35 per cent of seats in Dewan Rakyat,” he asserted.