Upside-down Jalur Gemilang in Melbourne: Sabah, Sarawak firmly behind Malaysia’s sovereignty, says Mustapha Sakmud

Sabah and Sarawak have long been considered examples of unity in Malaysia, with people of various faiths and races living harmoniously together. Festivals are celebrated by all, with no reservations or suspicions among different groups, and people even share tables in coffee shops. This scenario contrasts sharply with the more conservative mindset found in Peninsular Malaysia, where Malaysians of different backgrounds now seem to be at odds with one another.

Concerns have arisen in recent years, with an MP expressing worry about primary school students refusing to sit next to classmates who consume pork or wear crucifixes. This is evidence that religious conservatism has begun to take hold in East Malaysia. The history of the issue dates back to the 2006 controversy surrounding a statue of Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess, which was abandoned due to objections from the Muslim community.

More recently, a petrol bomb was thrown at a KK Mart outlet in Kuching following the "Allah" sock controversy, and there was also outrage over a US gospel singer's concert, with his stance on Israel sparking sensitivities within the community.

The rise of technology, especially the internet and social media, has played a significant role in the growing religious and racial parochialism in Sabah and Sarawak. Extremist views and inflammatory rhetoric are now accessible 24/7, fueling hatred and poisoning the minds of the younger generation. Strict immigration controls cannot prevent the digital spread of extremist ideologies and divisive rhetoric.

To prevent the loss of their unique identity, Sabah and Sarawak must focus on retraining teachers in religion and history subjects. History should be taught in an inclusive manner, acknowledging the contributions of every race and tribe to Malaysia's development. By integrating these aspects of nation building into the curriculum, a more comprehensive understanding of Malaysia's diverse heritage can be promoted.

Additionally, teaching the values of Islam in a way that promotes coexistence within a plural society may help combat the spread of narrow and divisive ideologies.

Despite the ominous outlook, Sabah and Sarawak still have the opportunity to counteract the influence of religious and racial conservatism by harnessing their autonomy. They can maintain English as the official language and use their independence to promote values of mutual respect, coexistence, and shared progress. If they act promptly, they may be able to preserve the Malaysian way of life envisioned by their forefathers.

However, if they fail to address this issue, even these states could not escape the negative consequences of race and religious extremism, and there would be no one to blame but themselves.