Was State Legislative Assembly Speaker Salleh
Keruak 'directed' by 'party bosses' to comment on the 20-point document
'to gain favour ahead of the election'?
Sabahans usually discover, to their chagrin, that the bounty that rightfully belonged to them and which they should in fact be harvesting now and for future generations has long since disappeared.
What they are seeing are, as one farmer-turned-political worker in Kota Belud said, “paddy fields that have long since been taken over by a plantation company sowing a new crop”. This grim message was drilled home to them by no less a person than the State Legislative Assembly Speaker Salleh Keruak last month.
Salleh said the 20-point agreement was “no longer valid” as many of the guarantees the document contained had already been incorporated into the Malaysian Constitution.
A public outcry followed this provocative statement. A few politicians on both sides of the political divide told him off for not defending Sabah’s rights.
The rest maintained a diplomatic silence, focusing instead on praising each other for the “progress” and “development” the state has seen since the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition came to power in 1994.
But the big surprise was the warning issued by two NGOs headed by Lajim Ukin – the influential Sabah Umno warlord who is rumoured to be having second thoughts about Umno which he joined almost 20 years ago.
The NGOs wanted Salleh to retract his statement and issue an apology to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
Speaking in his capacity as the president of the Sabah Bumiputera Cultural Heritage Association (Waris) and United Sabah Bisaya Association (PBBS), Lajim said Salleh’s statement had deeply hurt the feelings of the people in both states.
He said that Waris, PBBS and other NGOs like Amanah Sabah headed by Wilfred Bumburing – deputy president of the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) which is a BN member – had agreed to give Salleh time to tender an apology.
Why did Salleh say it?
An angry Lajim also demanded that Salleh reveal when did the federal and/or state governments “ever” discuss revoking the 20-point agreement signed by Sabah and Sarawak leaders during the formation of Malaysia as recommended by the Cobbold Commission.
“I don’t know what is his real intention. To me, the people of Sabah and Sarawak are very angry with the statement,” he had reportedly said.
Lajim, who is a deputy federal minister and Beaufort MP, is said to be fighting an internal party battle to be re-nominated for a seat in the coming general election.
The latest furore has given him an opportunity to cement his patriotic credentials by criticising Salleh for ignoring Sabahans’ plea to the federal government to honour the 20-point agreement.
“What is his motive? … maybe he was directed to make the statement by party bosses to gain favour ahead of the election”, said Lajim, who also urged Salleh to relinquish all his posts in Umno as he should be seen to be unbiased as Speaker.
He also took a swipe at other party leaders.
“He should be neutral but at the moment, his views seemed to be similar to the party’s stand he is representing now,” he said.
Lajim also scoffed at Salleh’s claim that the issue was being used by the opposition to influence the youths to go against the government.
“The youths today are not like in the 1970s. Being professionals and educated, I am sure they can make they own decision without having to be told by anybody including the opposition.
“They know what is good with regard to the 20 points, ” he said.
‘Issue never came up’
Lajim also pointed out that up until now the issue had never been raised at the Umno supreme council meetings.
“Umno at its supreme council meetings has never brought up the issue, so why has Salleh suddenly come up with such statement that only hurts the feeling of the people of Sabah?” asked Lajim, who is also a Umno supreme council member.
He said the issue had also never come up at the federal level during his current tenure as Beaufort MP as well as deputy federal minister.
If an apology from Salleh is not forthcoming, the NGOs will hold a signature campaign to “call for a referendum to ask the people if they agree with Salleh’s view”.
“We may also hold a peaceful demonstration when Prime Minister [Najib Tun Razak] visits Sabah,” Lajim said.
Salleh’s statement comes on the heels of a High Court ruling dismissing a government bid to strike out a suit brought by two Sabahans seeking a declaration that the federal and state governments had “failed and/or neglected to expeditiously and fully carry out the Borneonisation of the federal public service in the state”.
Justice David Wong ruled on May 25, a day before Salleh made his remarks, that their suit and claim were not a frivolous one.
His ruling has a clear bearing on the relevance of the 20-point agreement.
The ironical thing about all this is that the very people Sabahans distrust the most – politicians in general whom they blame for greedily signing away Sabah’s rights and immense wealth to stay in power – are suddenly hoisting the state flag high.
Next time I hear, 'merdeka, merdeka' I'll feel a retard. What fake is that? Go for Sabah Independent!
ReplyDeleteSabah needs to have autonomous power to self govern our state as well as Borneonisation.
DeleteThat is part of 20 Points. hope our leaders will fight for autonomous power and Borneonisation.
DeleteSalleh should know that as Speaker, he should not only be impartial as pointed out but that he should not be politically active. He is a shame to Sabahans and no less a running dog.
ReplyDeleteHe..is..a..lanun..man
DeleteSalleh Said should not make these sort of statements, hopefully there will be explanations given to clear up the confusion it has created.
DeleteIs Salleh going to contest this GE? Hope not!
DeleteI think Salleh already explain about his statement recently. hope it will not politicized.
Deleteits salleh's point of view...
DeleteSalleh point of view enough to bring a huge impact to himself and party he represented.
Deleteharap isu ini tidak dimanipulasi atau dipolitik oleh mana-mana pihak pun.
DeleteIsu ini tidak sepatutnya di politik kan.
DeleteTO BE OR NOT TO BE STILL IN MALAYSIA OR KELUAR MALAYSIA?
ReplyDeleteTHE WOES OF INDEPENDENCE IN MALAYSIA- 18/20 POINTS OBSERVED IN THE BREACH BY MALAYA
The strong public outrage against the ruling UMNO BN insensitivity and lack of respect for the 20 Points Agreement by the State Assembly Speaker Salleh Keruak has aldo drawn a sharp reprimand from an unexpected quarter being from inside UMNO.
Lajim Ukim described "UMNO warlord" is still real Sabahan at heart as shown by his angry reaction and demand that Salleh apologise to the people of Sabah and Sarawak for his insensitive remark that the 20 Points are not relevant. He even proposed holding a demonstration when PM Najib visits Sabah.
In 1961 the British & Malayan governments initiated and announced their plan to incorporate the 2 British colonies into Malaysia under Malayan rule. The Malaysia Plan was in a way imposed on the Borneo colonies and they were pushed to accept it as the only alternative to independence.
From the start the suddenness of the so-called Malaysia Plan caught the people by surprise and they were very unprepared for such an idea as locally the people were demanding for independence for the 3 British Borneo colonies of Brunei Sabah and Sarawak.
The initial announcement therefore made the people very suspicious of both the British and Malayan government motives. Many local political leaders feared a Malayan takeover and re-colonization of Sabah and Sarawak. Thus Malaysia was labelled as a neo-colonial creation.
On the grass root level the independence movement in the 3 British colonies mobilised a massive opposition to oppose Malaysia and demands for independence for the colonies. This opposition led to the outbreak of the Brunei anti-Malaysia Independence Uprising and then the Sarawak guerrilla war of independence which was fought till 1990.
After suppressing the Brunei uprising and all local anti-Malaysia opposition, Britain and Malaya quickly moved to formalise their Malaysian Plan. They jointly declared in July 1963 to proceed with the new Malaysia Federation by 31 August 1963. The negotiations with Sabah and Sarawak had not even been finalised. A proper UN independence referendum was never held and in its place the British and Malayans conducted their own Commission of Inquiry and some nominal consultations to people who did not oppose their idea. To appear to be complying with UN requirements the formation date was delayed to 16 September 1963.
This suddenness put great pressure on the Sabah Sarawak leaders as they had not even finalised negotiations. This is seen in the hastily drawn up and the 18/20 Points Agreement. This is reflected by the bare outline of "rights and safeguards". The 2 documents are more of a contents page with a list of contents.
The draughtsmen even failed to properly consider the real safeguard of an escape clause. Instead a clause saying that the 2 colonies "should not" have the right to secede from Malaysia. This contentious point is being challenged by the SSKM movement. It has been said that this clause was suggested by the British.
Some of the 18/20 Points were incorporated in the Malaysia Agreement to re-assure the people who were very uncertain of this new relationship. The omission of other rights has continued to create unhappiness among the Sabah and Sarawak people.
Cont'd part 2
TO BE OR NOT TO BE STILL IN MALAYSIA OR KELUAR MALAYSIA?
ReplyDeleteTHE WOES OF INDEPENDENCE IN MALAYSIA- 18/20 POINTS OBSERVED IN THE BREACH BY MALAYA
(Part 2)
Now despite almost 49 years of being in “Malaysia” the question about “What benefit/s would Malaysia offer the people?” remains unanswered.
In the 1960s the British & Malayan politicians gave many assurances and promised many things with independence in "Malaysia" such as protection from foreign invasion and communist takeover, social economic progress and prosperity ("eradication of poverty"), etc...
Brunei did not become part of Malaysia as originally planned and Singapore left. None of these 2 tiny states were invaded by any foreign power and they are both doing well as independent states.
The question left is -"But what did we get out of this Malaysia deal?"
Firstly, the British/Malayan claim of foreign invasion is now seen taking place in the form of Malayan military invasion under cover of suppressing the Brunei Uprising and political takeover and replacing British colonial rule.
After nearly 49 years we got rewarded with becoming the 2 poorest state/colonies because Malayans and local collaborators stripped our oil and timber wealth, took over our jobs and imposed a new apartheid system/regime which enables both the Federal and UMNO controlled state governments to divide and rule the people.
In short they Malayanised or re-colonized us fulfilling our very original fears about the Malaysia idea.
The original Malaysia concept was already defective when Brunei chose not to "join" and this collapsed with Singapore leaving. So now it is argued that the Malaysia Agreement is not binding.
If so, we are technically still "independent" andnot part of Malaysia.
But Malaya is the de facto government as it effectively occupies and rules Sabah and Sarawak as colonies.
So any referendum to be held in Sabah or Sarawak should be a UN supervised independence referendum followed by a de-colonization and independence programme.
And until then the deep fears and dissatisfaction with Malayan rule in Sabah and Sarawak will continue to surface.
Please reinstate SABAH as our home , our country. No need any embellishment. Just cut it off all these frills. Queen Elizabeth II is still around. Her Majesty is excellent at ribbon-cutting. Get an audience with her now. Ask to cut the ribbon.
ReplyDeleteWho can do it?
DO THE BASTARDS CARE? HER MAJESTY'S GOV'T DUMPED US INTO THE CLAWS OF MALAYA!
DeleteASK TO CUT THE BALLS OF UMNO - MORE LIKELY!
YEAH RESET THE TIME CLOCK TO 31 AUGUST 1963- SABAH INDEPENDENCE DAY...
SAME FOR SARAWAK!
A UN supervised referendum is the obvious choice. The only thing now is what are our leader's agenda. Please tell us.
ReplyDeleteI would very much like to know. Are we waiting for GE or for more show of support. The biggest question is knowing how many of us are ready to take up the cause. There is a general divide and we only have three to pick from. Since there are among us who are already kicking up the storm, will moving a next step further get us in serious trouble with the regime. They will blindly label our struggle as treason. People have been put away just for speaking up. The last thing I want to be is a hypocrite and I would hate for all this talk to go to waste. There are already among us who have taken action (taking the state & federal government to court/speaking up on the points and agreements, etc). Are we ready? Let's take the next step. Have courage and conviction oh! sons and daughters of Borneo.
WHY DON'T WE DO A TEST RUN?
DeleteUSE THE COMING ELECTIONS AS A TEST RUN
ALL OF US VOTE ONLY SABAH PARTIES OF OUR CHOICE- OF COURSE ONLY THOSE SABAH PARTIES WHO OPPOSE BEING IN MALAYSIA!
VOTE AGAINST UMNO & TREAT IT AS AN EXPRESSION OF OPPOSITION TO MALAYSIA.
WOULD BE INTERESTING.
HOWEVER SINCE SOMEONE HAS SET UP A SABAH INDEPENDENCE PETITION WE COULD VOTE THERE NOW.
WHEN WE GET A CLEAR MAJORITY NUMBER THEN THE NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO FORM THE
INDEPENDENCE PARTY AND HAVE INDEPENDENCE AS ITS PLATFORM - WIN NEXT ELECTION & TAKE OUR COUNTRY OUT OF MALAYSIA...
ALSO WHY NOT INCLUDE SARAWAK FOR THE SAME PETITION?
THE OTHER WAY IS THE UN SUPERVISED REFERENDUM WHICH BRITAIN & MALAYA FORGOT TO CONDUCT IN 1963! Think that because of their dirty trick Malaysia Agreement is not binding anyway (Daniel- this is a good point to argue!)
WE ARE ALL BROTHERS & SISTERS OF BORNEO!
AND UNITED WE WILL BE STRONGER!
THE FIRE OF INDEPENDENCE HAS BURNT FOR 50 YEARS!
We can do a few things in preparations .
1. We are linked up already on the net- so we need to form our action groups on the ground. It can be 1 person to 3 or 5 or more. Best keep small for security and preserve your fighting life and not get locked up too soon.
2. Link up all these small groups for any joint action...
3. Be careful how you communicate- nothing is secret or sacred on the net or mobile phones etc. the best communication is still face to face meetings in safe sound proof place.
4. Make a master plan of action.
5. Make Plan B & Plan C as back up.
6. Otherwise join an opposition political party or joining UMNO to subvert it.
IT IS NOT TREASON TO RECLAIM OUR INDEPENDENCE. THIS WORD IS USED TO SCARE US! THEY LOCKED UP A FEW PEOPLE BUT THEY ARE STILL SPEAKING OUT LIKE JEFFREY KITINGAN.
WHAT IS THERE TO BE AFRAID OF. WE HAVE ONE LIFE - ISN'T IT MORE FULFILLING TO GIVE IT TO YOUR COUNTRY.
DON'T FORGET THE KINABALU GUERRILLAS- THE HEROES WHO FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM FROM FOREIGN JAPANESE OCCUPATION & DIED TO SAVE OTHERS!
HOPE THEY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN!
It was me who posted the petition. Thought it's a good start but I need as many people to spread the word. As for your preparations, I am all for it. Perhaps you can set something up. You should give this grouping a name. So the revolution begins!
DeleteOPEN PLAN- "V" DAY
DeleteNew Vision pity we not in the same location- (so we can't we meet) but nevertheless anything on the Internet is an "open plan" like the petition.
The "plan" is transparent so everyone can read and make the choice to accept or not to accept. This is the most basic principle of democracy- free choice (but informed).
The simple choice is to vote for independence if you are for it. That vote is only a number on the Inet until this vote can be translated into a solid event of freeing ourselves from our colonizers! Whether by the ballot box for an independence referendum or other ways....
The petition will be no more than a gauge of public feelings. It is easy just to vote- the hard part is getting the people together to make that important commitment to fight for independence.
But every journey starts with one step and it seems we must do the same.
See the movie "V" for Vendetta (You Tube) and get some inspiration and also listen to Charlie Chaplin's speech in the movie "The Great Dictator". This is one of the most inspiring speeches made by an actor activist!
But back to reality and the question is "What is to be done" & how to do it right!
Suggest that your IPetition should be configured to allow anonymity so it is a secret vote and not exposed names of people voting. They still need to registered themselves as voters but let's have a secret vote recorded as number on your voting meter.
In the nature of things we have to err on the side of caution.
We must be brave but not be too trusting as we may be "free" on the internet we are not so in reality.
We must not forget we have to confront those who have the power and the fire power (!).
Also please include Sarawak. Both colonies must unite to achieve their independence. 2 is stronger than one.
Just to say in passing, this petition is ahead of the SSKM Petition which stops short of clearly demanding independence although they talk about it. They want autonomy and enforcement of 20 Points- that is stay in Malaysia. We want “out”.
If you are really keen may be approach the UBF or STAR - they are very worked up over the lost of independence- so they should be!
If you join a part- part of the hard work is already done.
Once there, you need to patiently link up with those who are committed to gain independence (there will always be some who appear to be what they are not and may betray you). This means you need to find out more of people you wish to link up before you do that. Make sure they have the same commitment and determination come what may
Luckily we have the internet now which can amplify our freedom cause. This can only rally large numbers of people for some event like "Bersih" or some other issues... But this is important in itself as in the past organising took much longer. That does not mean you do not plan your moves carefully. Preparation is 95% of the success.
As you can see our conversation is actually a lesson on organising ourselves. The nitty gritty are on the internet if you just search "organising...." They have better experience and advice.
(Do excuse my 'shouting"- some times I think people out there are deaf!)
We may not meet now regardless of our geographical location but I hope one day we walk side by side.
DeleteThank You for your comments and advice. I am aware that we are being watched closely and some of the people here maybe out to lure us into a trap, perhaps yourself or even me (No offense). As for the Sarawak issue, I am neutral on them being part of a united country with Sabah. I do foresee the situation as very complicated. Perhaps it would be better for a Sarawakians to start their own independence movement. Yes the two can always cooperate and exchange ideas and resolutions. Then again, we already have the United Borneo Front and the STAR chapter of Sarawak. So it's already work in progress(as you have mentioned). I am not afraid. The word is already out. We want Independence!
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ReplyDeleteHow do you do that? Not IT savvy enuff!
DeleteAfter you post a thread, there will be an option for delete. just follow
DeleteOnly those posting under registered accounts can delete posts, if I'm not wrong.
DeleteDatuk Shafie Apdal said there should be an explanation regarding the status of the 20 points agreement to clear up the confusion among the people.
ReplyDeleteLet the young generation being explain about this 20 Points.
Deletepeople are confuse now...explanation must be given..
DeleteSemakin banyak cerita, tidak tahu mana yang betul berkenaan dengan 20 perkara ini.
DeleteDatuk Salleh Tun Said also mentioned that there will be some explanations given, hope that they will make it soon.
ReplyDeleteHe should be careful with what is he going to say. Now he has to make two statements instead of one.
Deletewhen we talk about the 20 points today we need to be specific about which particular points we are referring to
Deletehe already given his explanation..next time he should be careful on what he said..
DeleteWhy need to explain if Salleh firm with his statement?
Deletecontent and spirit of the 20 points document on Sabah’s safeguards for the formation of Malaysia is forever valid and relevant
ReplyDeleteThe Fed government should fulfilled it.
Deleteperkara 20 sememangnya masih lagi sah, tanpa perkara itu, Malaysia takkan wujud.
ReplyDelete20 perkara memang sah selamanya...jika tidak sah maka malaysia juga adalah tidak sah..
Deleteperkara 20 harus diperjuangkan, apa terkandung dalamnya harus dilaksanakan.
ReplyDelete20 perkara harus dilaksanakan dan ditunaikan sepenuhnya..
Deleteisu 20 perkara adalah isu yang sangat dekat di hati rakyat tulen sabah...
ReplyDeletePlease do not confuse the people…
ReplyDeleteIndependence in Sabah is what the people want.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt we want independence but is that enough?
Deletehttp://www.ipetitions.com/petition/independence-for-sabah
DeleteWhat is not enough?
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/independence-for-sabah
DeleteWhat is not enough?
I guess a lot of us are already confused about what is going on here.
ReplyDeleteDo we need more explanations to clear the grey part of what is happening?
ReplyDeletePetition alone would not bring independence for sabah. We need more than that.
ReplyDeleteBetul..Rasanya mengenai 20 perkara ini tidak perlu dipanjang lebarkan lagi. 20 perkara ini adalah satu perkara yang dipatut dimiliki oleh Penduduk Sabah. Kerana itulah perjanjian yang dibuat untuk Sabah menyertai Malaysia.
ReplyDeletePerjanjian 20 perkara harus ditunaikan untuk membuktikan bahawa kerajaan ikhlas dengan rakyat di Sabah.
ReplyDeletePerjuangan ini harus diteruskan.
DeleteSalleh make the statement that will create more negative impact to the public.
ReplyDeleteSemakin banyak yang mengelirukan golongan awam.
ReplyDeletebila ada yang cuba jadi hero untuk kepentingan tertentu, itu yang jadi mengelirukan.
DeleteMasing2 ada fahaman sendiri..
DeletePerkara ini semakin mengelirukan.
ReplyDeleteisu ini tidak patut dimainkan, sebaiknya semua sentiasa berusaha untuk jaga hak dan kepentingan rakyat.
Deleteapa pun, 20 pekara memang penting.
ReplyDeleteyang penting hak rakyat Sabah sentiasa dipertahankan dan dijaga dengan sebaiknya.
ReplyDeleteStill valid and people need to know it is fully implemented or not.
ReplyDeleteMake use of it so that the people in Sabah will be more alert.
ReplyDeletekalau tidak puas hati dengan layanan kerajaan persekutuan terhadap 20 perkara Sabah, bawa la terus kes ini ke mahkamah antarabangsa.. setakat bising2 di media pembangkang tidak ada guna juga tu.. yang berani membangkitkan isu ini di media, bagi saya bukan hero.. tetapi COWARD..
ReplyDelete