03-05-2025
NGO: Salleh's remarks an insult to Sabahans
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025
Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025
By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak (pic) has been accused of insulting Sabahans by suggesting that stability comes from submission to Federal parties. Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFO) President Daniel John Jambun said Salleh's remarks were a betrayal of Sabah's founding promises under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and an affront to the intelligence of the people. He said Salleh, now a vocal defender of Malaya-based parties, was wrong to suggest that Sabah could not follow Sarawak's model of autonomy. 'Today, Sarawak controls its own destiny through strong local parties, with RM41 billion in financial reserves, a growing economy and control over its own oil and gas through Petros,' he said in a statement. 'In contrast, after decades of Federal party rule – with Salleh as one of their biggest cheerleaders – Sabah remains the poorest State in Malaysia,' he said. Daniel said real stability could not be achieved through obedience, but respect and equality. 'Stability without dignity is just subjugation. True and lasting stability for Sabah can only come when every right promised under MA63 is fully respected and fulfilled,' he said. He stressed that Sabah must have full economic rights, including its 40pc net revenue entitlement, ownership of its oil and gas resources, and control over its own development. He also called for full authority over immigration, borders and internal security to protect Sabah from illegal immigration and demographic manipulation. 'The days when Sabahans could be bullied into obedience are over. We now see clearly that Federal parties – whether BN or PH – only care about Sabah when it suits their political calculations,' he said. Daniel said Sabah must chart its own course with leaders who prioritise the State's interests over Federal ones. He called on Sabahans to fight for full autonomy, dignity, and prosperity. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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