Stop corruption in Sabah's politics !

By Jayson Lisandu, 30-12-2024

KOTA KINABALU : In a joint press statement on 30 Dec 2024, Australia-based NGOs, the Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB) and Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)  expressed strong support for and commended the bravery and determination of Sabah university students who have proposed a peaceful demonstration against corruption tomorrow, 31 Dec 2024.

Mosses Ampang and Robert Pei who led the two NGOs respectively, said, the students’ activism is a testament to the spirit of Sabah youths, who are refusing to accept the status quo of corruption and injustice in the state.

They said the students' new awakening is in line with the two NGOs' dedication to seeking real self-determination for Sabah and Sarawak, and their firm belief in integrity, accountability, and self-government.

"The students' commitment to demanding accountability is an inspiration to all Sabahans, and we fully support their call for a government free from corruption. 

“We urge that these efforts be conducted with fairness and impartiality, ensuring that all forms of corruption are addressed without bias or selective targeting. The future of Sabah rests on the shoulders of its youth, and their efforts must be guided by integrity, transparency, and the pursuit of the greater good," they said.

They opined that it is important to recognise that corruption at the federal level has played a pivotal role in nurturing the culture of corruption that continues to plague Sabah and Sarawak, and that the creation of Malaysia itself was marked by corruption at the highest level.

They also said the historical precedent set the tone for political practices that have continued unchecked at the federal level, which in turn fostered similar corrupt practices in Sabah and Sarawak. 

"The political systems in both states have suffered as a result, as the pervasive culture of corruption from the top has trickled down to local governance. This has undermined public trust and fundamentally hindered the growth and progress of both states," they said.

RSNB and SSRANZ, they said, believe that corruption has also facilitated the federal government's control over the two Borneo state governments, undermining their ability to exercise self-government by eroding transparency and accountability.

They further said: "Our NGOs are steadfast in our commitment to combat corruption in all its forms as part of their campaign for Sabah and Sarawak self-determination. Corruption is a cancer that erodes public trust, weakens institutions, and hampers Sabah’s development. 

"No individual, political organisation or institution should be beyond scrutiny. Anti-corruption efforts must be inclusive and non-selective, targeting all forms of wrongdoing regardless of rank or affiliation. Transparency and accountability must remain the cornerstone of governance in Sabah".

"As Sabah moves forward, RSNB and SSRANZ call on all Sabahans to unite in pursuit of a just, transparent, and sovereign state. It is only through collective action—free from corruption and external interference—that we can achieve true independence and prosperity.

“We reiterate our commitment to championing these principles and urge all stakeholders—political leaders, institutions, and civil society—to uphold the values of democracy, accountability, and the people’s right to self-determination," they added.#

This statement has been endorsed by :

1. Daniel John Jambun President Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)

2. Peter John Jaban Founder  Sarawakians for Sarawak & Saya Anak Sarawak

3. Emily Edward - President of Sabah Sarawak Borneo Natives Organisation of Australia

4. Yu Chin Liik, Plaintiff on MA63 2018 CASE#