“Saya Juga Anak Malaysia”: Reflecting on Unity, Promises, and Aspirations

As another Malaysia Day dawns, I find myself reflecting on the intricate tapestry of emotions and identity that comes with being a Malaysian. It's a day of celebration, unity, and patriotism. But for East Malaysians, it's also a day we unearth the complex nuances surrounding Malaysia's formation and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) issue.

I've always identified as Malaysian. I've sung the national anthem with pride, celebrated our diverse cultures, and cherished the unity that binds us. Yet, as I've delved deeper into our history, the story of Malaysia's formation isn't as straightforward as it may seem.

The Malaysia Day celebration on 16 September 1963, was supposed to be a momentous occasion when Sabah, Sarawak, Malaya, and Singapore came together in unity. It was a dream of a harmonious federation built on mutual respect and cooperation. However, this dream has not always been fully realised.

After Singapore’s departure, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was meant to safeguard the rights and autonomy of Sabah and Sarawak. It was a promise that we would be equal partners in this federation. But as time has passed, it has become evident that these promises have not always been upheld. The economic disparities, lack of autonomy in decision-making, and continued utilisation of our resources have become painful reminders of our unfulfilled aspirations.

Moving to West Malaysia has been an eye-opening experience for me. To many Malaysians I met on this side of the country, the events of 1963 and the pain points of fellow East Malaysians often remain unfamiliar territory. It's no wonder that they barely know about it. While East Malaysians grew up listening to the tales of Malaysia's formation, we still fail to see the same story being told in the national syllabus. For many years, this distortion of history has caused some sort of identity dissonance within many East Malaysians, as the lived narrative we were raised with diverges from the milder, more conventional historical textbook perspective. It's a stark reminder that the divide between East and West Malaysia, while not always visible, also exists in the form of a knowledge gap for the historical grievances of Malaysians.

As an East Malaysian, the Malaysia Day debate is a reminder of the complexities that underlie our national identity. It's an acknowledgement that our journey as a nation is still evolving. It's a call for dialogue, understanding, and action to address the historical grievances and the unfulfilled promises of MA63.

Indeed, recent years have brought a notable shift in the recognition and celebration of Malaysia Day. It started as a quiet and localised recognition, but it gained momentum when then Prime Minister Najib Razak declared it a national holiday in 2009. The inaugural celebrations in 2011 were a tentative step forward, followed by a poignant observance in 2013, marking 50 years since our nation's birth and honouring our security officers in the Lahad Datu incident. Yet, the most profound moment came during Tun Mahathir's second term as Prime Minister, from 2018 to 2020. His public commitment to amend the Malaysian Constitution and restore Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners within Malaysia was a promise that our long-cherished dream might finally come true. In his narrative of aspiration and determination, we remember the late Datuk VK Liew, the former Minister of Law, who played a pivotal role with unwavering dedication in this critical fight. Their collective efforts subsequently laid the foundation for the officialisation of the MA63 constitutional amendment under a dedicated Minister's department spearheaded by the esteemed Sabahan Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili and succeeded by YB Datuk Armizan Bin Mohd Ali.

However, in my capacity within the Prime Minister's department which overlooks the Sabah & Sarawak Affairs, I've had a front-row view of the gruelling battle to address the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) issue, and the sombre truth of effecting substantial change has weighed heavily on my conscience. The fight to reinstate one-third of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak has been a stark, personal reminder that our path to justice and equality is far more treacherous than we initially perceived. This endeavour demanded a united effort from every Member of Parliament and all levels of government, spanning from the federal arena to state and district representatives. It's a poignant reminder that East Malaysian leaders must transcend political divisions and place unity at the core of our collective mission to reclaim what was inherently intended for our states. As we navigate this intricate journey, the gravity of our region's aspirations weighs heavily on our hearts, as we confront the complex reality of striving for change in the name of fairness and justice.

The appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in 2022 marked the first-ever East Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister since Malaysia's inception in 1963. It carries a momentous weight—a blend of sombre reflection and hopeful anticipation. As an East Malaysian, this milestone holds personal significance, and Fadillah's role as Chairman of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council embodies our steadfast dedication. In the recently unveiled 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Mid-Term review, there's a cautious sense of optimism amidst the acknowledgement of longstanding development disparities in Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia. For many in East Malaysia, the struggle for equitable development has been personal and challenging. The 12MP introduces practical solutions that offer a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel, emphasising the potential for much-needed progress.

In the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Mid-Term Review, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the government's commitment to developing Sabah and Sarawak through a series of projects and initiatives. These efforts include transferring electricity regulatory powers to Sabah's state government to better manage gas and electricity supply, a renewable energy system upgrade in Gugusan Felda Sahabat, the repair of dilapidated school buildings in both regions, the establishment of a regional blood centre in Sabah, and the construction of a resilient transport infrastructure like the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road II and Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1B. Additionally, programs such as the Sarawak Bumiputera Special Programme and Sabah Natives Special Programme aim to uplift the income of local communities. The government's approach, within the Madani Economy framework, focuses on cross-racial efforts to tackle poverty and enhance essential services, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for development in these regions.

Tangible milestones, such as increased special grants and efforts to regain administrative powers, echo the deep-seated desire for a Malaysia where East Malaysia's enduring concerns are not only acknowledged but also genuinely addressed—a hopeful stride toward a brighter, more equitable nation where longstanding disparities may ultimately find resolution.

As we navigate this dingy yet hopeful terrain, we hold onto the belief that these initiatives are not mere promises but tangible steps toward a more equitable Malaysia. Upholding the nuances of Malaysia Day and the MA63 issue is a shared commitment among many Sabahans and Sarawakians who yearn for autonomy and equal partnership within the federation. It's a yearning for a Malaysia where the diversity of our states is not just celebrated but respected and empowered.

So, as we raise our flags this coming Malaysia Day, let us celebrate our unity and diversity, but let us also remember that unity does not mean uniformity. Let us acknowledge the complexities and challenges we face as a nation. Let us engage in open, respectful dialogue to address the MA63 issue and ensure that the promises made to our fellow Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak are fulfilled. It's a Malaysia Day wish for a brighter, more inclusive future, where we can all proudly say, "Saya Anak Malaysia", and truly mean it.