BAU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has issued a clarion call for Sabah to mirror Sarawak’s successful model of political unity and assertive leadership in order to effectively safeguard its rights within the Malaysian Federation.
Speaking at Sarawak’s vibrant Independence Day Cultural Parade July 22, Jeffrey lauded Sarawak’s cohesive political front and its confident engagement with Putrajaya.
He highlighted Sarawak’s achievement of having a Deputy Prime Minister as a direct result of this unified political strategy.
Jeffrey, who is also President of the Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF), underscored the historical significance of July 22nd, 1963, Sarawak’s self-governance day, and its pivotal role in the formation of Malaysia.
He emphasized the symbolic weight of the ‘13’ prefix in Sarawakian identity cards, representing Sarawak’s unique status as a founding partner in the Federation, a status he argued has been progressively eroded since the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He stressed that Sabah and Sarawak were not merely added states, but equal partners in a federation that has deviated from its original principles.
Jeffrey commended Sarawak’s leadership for its proactive approach in securing recognition of Sarawak Day as a public holiday and for its persistent, peaceful advocacy for its constitutional rights.
He cited Sarawak’s successful cultural events, such as the Independence Day parade, as powerful demonstrations of unity and state pride, serving as a model for all Borneans.
He specifically praised Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his leadership in this regard.
Sarawak government officially gazetted July 22 as Sarawak Day, that is also widely referred to as Sarawak Independence Day, in 2016 under the leadership of then Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem who emphasized that Sarawak never “joined” Malaysia but rather formed Malaysia together with Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Singapore.
The move was part of his broader push for Sarawak’s autonomy, particularly in the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Sabah government gazetted Aug 31 as Sabah Day last year to commemorate the day in 1963 that the territory gained self-government after decades as a British crown colony.
Jeffrey said with a fervent appeal for unity among Borneans, urging Sabah to learn from Sarawak’s example and to celebrate its own historical milestones with similar vigour.
He extended an invitation to Sarawakian leaders and friends to join in the Sabah Day celebrations in Kota Kinabalu next month.
He expressed his hope for a future where Sabah and Sarawak fully reclaim their rightful positions as equal founding partners in Malaysia, as envisioned under the MA63.
