Sabah, Sarawak bimbang diabaikan selepas orang Melayu bersatu, kata penganalisis

Sabah and Sarawak are concerned about whether Putrajaya will respect MA63 and fulfill the commitments they have agreed upon, according to a political analyst. (Picture Magnific) State leaders in Sabah and Sarawak generally have little interest in a political union of Malays on the Peninsula, according to James Chin from the University of Tasmania.

Stronger Malay political blocs could potentially satisfy Sabah and Sarawak's demands for concessions, especially those promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he said. They do not want a political union of Malays because if Malay people become too powerful in the Peninsula, they may dominate Sabah and Sarawak, he told FMT.

History shows that when Malays unite under a ruling party, they tend to overlook the demands of Sabah and Sarawak. The main concern for Awang Azman Awang Pawi from the University of Malaya is the political stability of the Peninsula, as it directly affects the stability of the federal government. They also worry about whether Putrajaya can honor MA63, strengthen state autonomy, accelerate development, and fulfill the agreed-upon commitments.

The most worrying aspect is if the breakup leads to government instability, frequent shifts in foundations, and failure to implement decisions related to Sabah and Sarawak's interests, Awang Azman said. Both analysts discussed Khaled Nordin, deputy president of Umno, who said that a divided Malay could reduce confidence among Sabah and Sarawak leaders in the ability of Malaysia Barat leaders to govern the country.

A divided Malay could lead Sabah and Sarawak leaders to question whether Malays from Malaysia Barat should continue to be given more advantages in governing the nation. Awang Azman noted that the support of Sabah and Sarawak is crucial in determining which party can form the federal government when political unrest occurs. If no bloc can achieve a strong majority, support from parties from Malaysia Timur becomes even more important, he said.

However, Awang Azman stated that greater power shifts would only matter if they come with stability. Otherwise, prolonged instability could undermine development, investment, and policy implementation in both states.