Who decides?
Sabah for Sabahan? _no
Sabah for all Malaysians_yes
Sabah by Sabahan _YES
Sabah by nonSabahan_ NO
How much of what goes on around us is defined by us.. That reflects our unique socio-cultural heritage?Before Sabah of Malaysia, we were North Borneo, poor and backward as we were, we were nurtured, we kept our tongues, we had "Borneon" identity. No doubt we were colonised, but we had opportunities, and development, schools, and economy, and heritage that were protected; remnants of that still exist in the unique laws of our land, Land and native Law, etc.
Then came one day, we were persuaded and ensured of more benefits in the future of the federation. That if we rid ourselves of the colonial forces, we are better off Together. In the federation, our autonomy is promised in the 20 points. We changed our name, Sabah we become, Sabahan we proudly profess, and patriotism grows with the new name. To prevent being overwhelmed by Malaysians from swarming our land, the 20 points enshrined the philosophy of self-governance in the long run, the future. That autonomy is allowed, despite in one-nation. That amongst the 20points, we have control of our education and our borders.
That amongst the 20 points, we adopt the new name of Sabah. That Borneonisation, a specific term was used to path the concept of sovereignty, and self-governance in the administration. However, there is also the one point that states clearly of no sedition from the federation. Then, we allow federalisation of our land, of our health, of our education, and even the humiliation of an enforced rotation of our chief ministership. That we Sabahans today are divided and ruled over, that we have lost much and gained little. We were amongst the rich state and we are the poorest. That we are ensure of wealth and equality, and yet we are enstranged and truly felt alienated on our own land.
Yet, why after 45years, (not 50years), we feel less control of our social landscape, we felt shamed and raped of our birthrights? That we have to plead, with bruised pride?This is colonisation in its essence, but unspoken. Silenced. That why our forefathers who fought for our future, and yet we lost? Where is our honour? Why should we be punished for our sovereignty, which is wrongly branded as seditious antifederalism. Why do we feel alienated in our own land? Why should we honour the 1 point of non-sedition, when we are denied the honour of the 19 other points?
Face it Fellow Sons and Daughters of Sabah, whether you are natives or "naturalised migrants", old or young on this land, the face of this land should be by us who see this as our shared destiny. And not forced upon by others who aim to enrich themselves and deprives us, and has no interest to nurture this land, a mother-land. Face it, we are colonised but not in those words, for we misbelief that was gone when we became Sabah. What happened to colonisation in the last century shall happen again. There can be peace without war, there can be nonviolence confrontation. But speak and act we must. Or forever hold our silence. We love this country, but this country must love us! we are tired of being neglected, hear us! Before it's too late!
RK
