Kota Kinabalu: Pertubuhan Gerakan Belia Bersatu Malaysia (GBBM) Sabah Chairperson Veronica Ongot said the exodus of young Sabahans seeking opportunities elsewhere can have a detrimental impact on families and the State’s future.
She pointed out the urgent need for job creation, infrastructure development and improved access to higher education, alongside reliable utilities.
“Many of our young people are compelled to leave their families and homes to pursue education or employment abroad due to limited opportunities here,” she said at the Sabah GBBM’s annual Chinese New Year gathering, here, recently.
She said that this trend threatens Sabah’s long-term development.
The gathering served as both a festive celebration and a platform to address issues affecting Sabah’s development and youth empowerment, with Sabah GBBM stressing the importance of preserving Sabah’s autonomy and resources through proper implementation of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Meanwhile, Sabah GBBM Advisor Chin Vui Kai connected these challenges to the incomplete implementation of MA63, particularly focusing on Sabah’s entitled 40 per cent revenue share.
“MA63 safeguards Sabah’s rights within Malaysia, including the crucial 40 per cent revenue entitlement. If fully implemented, this clause could secure funding for significant development in Sabah, enabling better infrastructure, job creation and investment in vital services such as consistent water and electricity supplies,” he said.
Chin pointed out the importance of understanding MA63, saying that failing to recognise and assert the rights could lead to the loss of Sabah’s autonomy and resources.
“Without a proper understanding of MA63, we risk surrendering our rights. We may be sidelined in national development, making it easier for others to suppress us. This is a dangerous situation for our future,” he said.
He cited the specific loss of Sabah’s jurisdiction over its continental shelf as a direct consequence of failing to protect its rights under MA63.
“Before Malaysia was formed Sabah had control over more than 200 nautical miles of our continental shelf. However, this jurisdiction was reduced to just three miles as of today.
“This is a significant loss and it must be corrected. If we do not act now, we risk losing more of our rights and resources in the future.
“Of course, advocating for the full implementation of MA63 is merely about restoring Sabah’s rightful entitlements and will not affect the interests of other states.
“It is our duty to empower the younger generation with the knowledge and understanding to protect Sabah’s future and pass on this understanding to ensure a brighter tomorrow for all Sabahans, safeguarding our dignity,” Chin said.
He hopes Sabah GBBM can lead campaigns on MA63 and advocate for Sabah’s rights.
