admin
A recent discussion on MA63 in the Keluar Sekejap podcast has raised serious concerns among those of us from Borneo. Sarawak Senator Robert Lau has rightly criticised several inaccuracies in that discussion, including misleading claims about the formation of Malaysia, the parties to MA63, and the constitutional position of Sabah and Sarawak.
I share his concern. In the discussion, Sabah and Sarawak were described in substance as territories that were “given away by the British”, and it was suggested that it is not accurate to regard Sabah and Sarawak as partners in the formation of Malaysia because they were not fully independent before 16 September 1963.
This framing is misleading and must be corrected. Yes, North Borneo and Sarawak were still under British colonial administration before Malaysia was formed. But that does not mean Sabah and Sarawak were mere objects to be handed over from one power to another.
Sabah was not a parcel of land. Sarawak was not a colonial item to be transferred. Our people had agency. Our safeguards were negotiated. Our consent and constitutional position were central to the birth of Malaysia.
That is why the Cobbold Commission was formed. That is why the Inter-Governmental Committee process took place. That is why Sabah’s 20-Point safeguards and Sarawak’s 18-Point safeguards became politically and constitutionally important. That is also why MA63 was signed not only by the United Kingdom and the Federation of Malaya, but also by North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore.
MA63 is not nostalgia. MA63 is not merely a historical document. MA63 is the founding bargain of Malaysia. Without Sabah and Sarawak, there would be no Malaysia as we know it today.
This is why Sabahans and Sarawakians continue to speak about MA63, revenue rights, Borneonisation, immigration autonomy, development fairness, oil and gas rights, and equal respect within the Federation. These are not “extra demands”. They arise from the very basis on which Malaysia was formed.
On this issue, Sabah and Sarawak must stand together as Borneo partners. When our history is misunderstood, our rights are weakened. When MA63 is treated casually, the foundation of Malaysia itself is distorted.
National commentators are welcome to discuss MA63, but such discussions must be accurate, respectful and complete. Sabah was not “given away”. Sarawak was not “given away”. Sabah and Sarawak helped form Malaysia, and MA63 must be honoured, not minimised.
Chen Ket Chuin @ KC
Supreme Council Warisan
1st August 2026
