Grassroots voices demand self-determination

Borneo Post

5 days ago

The recent PBS-STAR convention was not merely a political gathering, but a powerful manifestation of long-simmering frustration among Sabahans, a resounding cry demanding an end to decades of political marginalization.
Thousands of delegates, a surging wave of human energy, united in their demand for independent candidacy, a 'solo' run in the upcoming state election, a bold rejection of the status quo that has long shackled and stifled Sabah's potential. This is not simply a political strategy, but a desperate struggle for survival, an urgent plea for freedom.
The resounding 'solo, solo' chants echoing through the hall were not empty slogans, but a passionate declaration. For too long, Sabah has seen its political will controlled by Peninsular-based coalitions, its voice reduced to a faint whisper in the corridors of power. This 'solo' movement is not just another political strategy, but a rebellion against Sabah's systematic neglect within Malaysia's power structure, a rejection of long-standing injustice.
Sabah's current political landscape is fraught with fragile and unstable alliances. The GRS government, propped up by PH and BN, appears stable on paper, but the reality on the ground is starkly different, a festering wound of deep-seated discontent. Sabahans feel betrayed, their autonomy eroded by this pragmatic and soulless political marriage, an alliance forged not on genuine unity, but on narrow and self-serving political considerations.
This sense of betrayal was further fueled by UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement on July 29th, broadcast on Astro Awani, declaring the BN-PH collaboration in Sabah as 'locked in.' This arrogant assertion, this blatant disregard for Sabah's political sovereignty, is an unacceptable insult. My friend Ansari Abdullah, a lawyer and keen political observer, offered a particularly insightful analogy in a Facebook post:
'It seems Barisan Nasional is the first wife and GRS the second wife to Pakatan Harapan. So, when the first wife contests against the second wife, who will PH support?' (The original Malay: 'Nampaknya Barisan Nasional ialah isteri pertama dan GRS isteri kedua kepada Pakatan Harapan. Jadi, apabila isteri pertama bertanding dengan isteri kedua, siapa yang akan disokong oleh PH?') This analogy perfectly encapsulates the transactional nature of these political alliances. Based on Ansari Abdullah's analogy and my own analysis of Zahid's declaration, I conclude there has been a profound betrayal of the Sabah people's trust.
When national leaders arbitrarily dictate Sabah's future, where is Sabah's voice? Where is its right to self-determination? Where is justice and equality?
The passionate calls for 'solo' candidacy at the convention were not a promise from the entire GRS coalition, but the authentic expression of the will of 5,000 PBS and STAR supporters, their powerful voices demonstrating their unwavering resolve. They are tired of playing second fiddle, of being sidelined and ignored. They demand a decisive break from the past, a future where Sabah's self-determination is fully respected and its unique identity is celebrated within Malaysia.'
This overwhelming frustration is the culmination of repeated betrayals, of broken promises, of Sabah's aspirations consistently sacrificed for Peninsular interests. Cooperation is necessary, but not at the cost of Sabah's unique and precious identity. This is not simply about rejecting cooperation, but about demanding respect, demanding equal rights, demanding that Sabah's voice be heard and valued.
The burning question: who decides Sabah's fate? Is it the leaders on the ground, who understand the unique and diverse needs of Sabah's communities, or is it determined by distant federal leaders who may prioritize their own national agendas?
This is a profound crisis of trust. When local leaders readily align with federal coalitions without transparent and meaningful consultation with their constituents, the bonds of trust are shattered.
Sabah's leaders must seize this momentum wisely. The PBS-STAR convention was not just a display of unity, but a clear signal to act. Ignoring the 'solo, solo' calls would be a dangerous gamble, a major betrayal of the people's trust. This is not empty idealism, but an urgent political imperative.
The path forward demands a fundamental rebalancing of the relationship between Sabah and the Peninsula. This is about strengthening Sabah's autonomy within Malaysia, prioritizing its agenda, establishing clear boundaries, and demanding decisive action to address its concerns.
The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) provides a clear framework for Sabah's autonomy. Building upon the principles enshrined in MA63, Sabah should strive to secure a political space that fully reflects its unique needs and aspirations, ensuring a future where its rights are respected and its potential is fully realized. I am glad that ongoing discussions between the Sabah State and Federal governments are underway to fully implement MA63. This process is crucial for securing a future where Sabah's voice is heard and its destiny is determined by its own people.
It provides crucial context by highlighting the legal framework of the MA63 which underpins Sabah's claims for greater autonomy.
Sabah has governed independently before. It has proven its capacity for self-rule. Let this past success inspire today's leadership to reclaim Sabah's political space, a space that truly reflects its unique needs and aspirations.
This challenge is not just for PBS and STAR, but the responsibility of every leader in Sabah. Are we building a movement rooted in Sabah's reality, or are we merely tools of a national agenda?
Sabah's future depends on this choice. Will Sabah progress with dignity and purpose, on its own terms, or will it remain a political colony? The convention has spoken; now, the leadership must respond with concrete action.
The pressure is mounting. Some say leaving GRS is political suicide, but the people are crying out for change. The youth are disillusioned, weary of empty promises and ambiguous alliances. They demand clarity, not recycled narratives where loyalty is traded for positions and federal funds.
PBS and STAR must honestly assess their position: are they being used to advance a Peninsular agenda, or are they genuine partners in a fair and equitable collaboration?
The convention showcased both strength and underlying divisions, hesitations, and grassroots discontent.
It is no longer about alliances, but about the why and the cost to the people of Sabah.
Some claim going solo is suicidal, but the July 13th convention, with its electrifying 'GRS Solo!' chant from 7,000 participants, proves otherwise. It was not a top-down strategy, but a bottom-up revolution. It is not suicide, but a rebirth.
This groundswell of support from the grassroots demands respect. It challenges the narrative of inevitable failure, promising a future where Sabah determines its own destiny.
Ignoring this powerful wave of self-determination risks a catastrophic political backlash. The promises made must be kept, or Sabah will rise again, stronger, demanding its rightful place in the nation.