Seeking international justice for Sabah

Sabah's rights according to the terms of the Malaysia Agrement 1963 must be re-instated, says the opposition State Reform Party.

KOTA BELUD: The State Reform Party (STAR) is considering going all the way to the International Court of Justice in The Hague to regain Sabah’s rights if the federal government continues to trample on pledges made in the Malaysia Agreement in 1963.

That’s the plan if it gets enough support in the coming general election to topple the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government and form or lead the next state government.

Deputy chairman of the Sabah chapter of STAR, Daniel John Jambun, said it is important that the next state government subscribe to the Borneo Agenda if Sabah is to be saved from further destruction by unfavourable policies by the ruling federal power.

“We have seen the destruction of Sabah’s rights and autonomy and its adverse effects. It is most important that we form the state government so that we will have a strong locus standi to seek remedial actions from the court, including the International Court of Justice,” he said.

Jambun said this when launching the Kadamaian STAR at a gathering in Kampung Kelawat near here on Wednesday.

He said what STAR is seeking is the restoration of “absolute autonomy” for both Sabah and Sarawak as agreed in the 20-point agreement for Sabah and the 18 points for Sarawak as pre-conditions for the two former British colonies to join with Singapore and Malaya in 1963 to form the new Federation of Malaysia.

“What we will be seeking is the restoration of our rights and autonomy in accordance with all the guarantees and the Malaysia Agreement signed by the British government, Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak in London in 1963,” he said.

Also present were Sabah STAR state secretary Guandee Kohoi, STAR head for Kota Belud division, Rubin Guribah, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) supreme council leader, Peter Marajin as well as other leaders of STAR.