Signs of unease emerging in Sarawak

If the state were to exit, it will deal a major blow to the federation.

COMMENT

By Zulfaqar Sa’adi

Relations between states are much like relations between individuals. Unless unions, rapprochements and agreements are backed up by love and trust, then coolness will dominate relations and ideas of separation will appear.

A similar coolness has emerged in Sarawak’s relations with the Malaysian federation in recent years, and a segment of the people have begun supporting the idea of leaving the federation. As politicians have also begun expressing the same idea, Sarawak’s possible departure from the federation has entered the agenda.

People may not want to live alone. People who live alone may not feel safe and will probably be unable to make full use of their potential. It is the same with states; states may consider being part of a federation, union or a pact. It may thus feel that it has an ally to stand by it in the face of potential danger, that it will have a guaranteed market to sell its goods and friends to provide economic solidarity.

While the Malaysia federation certainly has flaws, it has nonetheless served to bring Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya together for 51 years.

Sarawak and Malaya, masquerading now as the Malaysia federation, first crossed paths some 51 years ago, even before the signing of the Malaysia Agreement in July 1963, through the anti-Malaysia movement amidst clamour for an independent Sarawak.

Fifty years ago, the world was a very different place for Sarawak as it was still a colony of Britain even as negotiations for the formation of Malaysia were taking place.

The formation of the Malaysia federation, declassified colonial documents make clear, was only through “secret deals”.

Malaya together with Singapore concentrated on economic factors and development as well as threats of security in order to attract Sarawak. However, only a small segment of the people of Sarawak backed the decision to join the federation. Nonetheless, through trickery, secret deals, promises of safeguards, raising the spectre of race polarisation and so on, the Malaysia federation came into being on Sept 16, 1963.

Spiritual regeneration

Today, even if Sarawak decides to remain in the federation, oil and gas will not be a determining factor anymore as other issues pertaining to the interest of the state have emerged to dominate popular debate. So, it is clear that the economy is not the main reason why a great many Sarawakians wish to leave the Malaysia federation.

What’s the real reason being talked about behind closed doors?

When we look at Sarawak’s disagreements with Malaya masquerading as the Malaysia federation, and although the economy is publicly cited as the cause, the source of unease is also due to cultural factors, basic human rights issues and questions over the legitimacy of the Malaysia federation itself.

Sarawak’s departure from the federation may encourage Sabah to leave and result in the federation falling apart.

The Malaysia federation needs spiritual regeneration above all. It should not seek to be an exclusionary or discriminatory regeneration.

It must seek to include people of all faiths and must endeavour to make them feel that they, too, have a stake in Malaysia and that regardless of differences, all will be treated with respect, tolerance and a spirit of brotherhood.

Zulfaqar Sa’adi is a Star (State Reform Party) activist in Jemoreng, a state seat in Sarawak.