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) have expressed strong support for and commended the bravery and determination of Sabah university students who have proposed demonstrations against corruption 31 Dec 2024.
The 2 non-governmental organisations dedicated to seeking real self-determination for Sabah and Sarawak, firmly uphold the principles of integrity, accountability, and self-government.
The NGOs said that the students’ activism is a testament to the spirit of the youth, who are refusing to accept the status quo of corruption and injustice. Their commitment to demanding accountability is an inspiration to all Sabahans, and they 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.”
It is important to recognize that corruption at the federal level has played a pivotal role in nurturing the culture of corruption that continues to plague Sabah and Sarawak. The creation of Malaysia itself was marked by corruption at the highest level, with the British bribery of their nominees to sign the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
This 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.
RSNB and SSRANZ believe that corruption has also facilitated the federal government's control over the 2 Borneo state governments, undermining their ability to exercise self-government by eroding transparency and accountability.
The NGOs are steadfast in their 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.”
Mosses PA Ampang
President of Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB) NGO
and
Robert Pei
President of Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ) NGO
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
