KUCHING, Aug 3 2026: Senior politician Wong Soon Koh said it be would a grave political and historical mistake should a future federal government choose to sideline Sarawak and Sabah simply because it no longer depends on GPS or GRS for its parliamentary majority.
He said without the participation of the two Borneo states in the federal Cabinet, the implementation of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would almost certainly slow down.
“Negotiations on fiscal autonomy, administrative powers, education, healthcare, petroleum resources, revenue sharing and other long-standing constitutional matters could become increasingly difficult if there is no genuine political will in Putrajaya,” he said when responding to suggestions that the BN-PN would have enough parliamentary seats to form the federal government without the participation of Sarawak and Sabah.
He stressed without the participation of the two Borneo states, it would would inevitably strengthen regional consciousness in Sarawak and Sabah.
He said increasing numbers of Sarawakians and Sabahans understand their constitutional position and expect the federal government to honour the promises made in 1963.
“Attempts to marginalise the Borneo states will only unite their people in defending those rights,” he suggested.
“Thirdly, the federal-state relations could deteriorate. Mutual trust, which is essential for effective governance, economic planning and national development, cannot flourish if one partner feels ignored or treated as politically expendable.
“Fourthly, Malaysia’s long-term economic interests could also be affected,” he said, adding that Sarawak and Sabah are vital contributors to the nation’s energy security, natural resources, food security, environmental sustainability and strategic maritime position.
“National development cannot succeed if the aspirations of the two Borneo states are disregarded,” he added.
Wong, who is also Bawang State Legislative Member (SLM), said Malaysia cannot be governed solely from the perspective of the peninsular politics.
“The federation was never intended to be one in which one region dominates while the others merely follow,” he said, noting that it was founded on the principles of partnership, mutual respect, constitutional equality and shared responsibility.
He called on all political parties in Malaya—whether BN, PN, Pakatan Harapan or any future coalition—to publicly reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the full implementation of MA63.
He said the constitutional rights of Sarawak and Sabah must never depend on who forms the federal government or how many parliamentary seats a coalition commands.
“At the same time, this situation should serve as a timely reminder to the political leadership of Sarawak and Sabah.
“The strongest guarantee of our constitutional rights is not merely participation in the federal Cabinet,” Wong said, stating that it is the unity of the people and political leaders of Sarawak and Sabah in defending the interests of the two states.
He said regardless of party affiliation, leaders from both Borneo states must stand together whenever the constitutional rights and legitimate interests of our people are at stake.
He also said that history has shown that rights which are not defended will eventually be eroded. Rights that are firmly protected through unity, wisdom and constitutional means will endure.
“Malaysia’s strength lies in respecting the diversity of its regions, cultures and histories. A stable and prosperous Federation can only be built when every partner is treated with fairness, dignity and equality,” he said.
He reminded that the implementation of MA63 is not a favour to Sarawak and Sabah, but is a constitutional obligation.
“It is a debt of honour. More importantly, it is the cornerstone upon which the future unity of Malaysia depends,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment