Advocate group backs Indian consulate in Sabah, calls for local participation

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 20): The Change Advocate Movement Sabah (Camos) has welcomed the federal government’s approval for the Republic of India to establish a consulate in Sabah, describing it as recognition of the state’s growing strategic and economic importance in the region.

Its president Daniel John Jambun said the presence of a foreign consulate in Sabah reflects the state’s increasing relevance in trade and international cooperation.

“If managed properly, this development can open pathways for cooperation in trade, education, tourism, investment and people-to-people exchanges that directly benefit Sabahans,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

However, Daniel stressed that Sabah must not be reduced to a passive host while decisions and benefits are centralised elsewhere.

“Any engagement arising from the proposed Indian consulate must involve Sabah directly, including the state government, local authorities, Sabah-based businesses, civil society and indigenous communities,” he said, emphasising that the state must play a meaningful role in shaping priorities, negotiating cooperation frameworks and ensuring economic opportunities reach local enterprises and communities.

Daniel added that this approach aligns with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which recognised Sabah as a founding partner in the Federation with its own safeguards, identity and interests.

“International-facing initiatives involving Sabah should therefore reflect partnership, not dependency,” he said, cautioning against repeating past patterns where external investment and diplomatic engagement bypassed local participation, limiting benefits while decision-making remained concentrated in Putrajaya.

Camos supports the proposed Indian consulate on the condition that Sabah is treated as an active and equal stakeholder in all resulting engagements.

“Transparent processes, local inclusion and accountable governance must guide this cooperation,” Daniel said.

“A stronger Sabah strengthens Malaysia. Real reform begins when Sabahans are included as partners, not spectators.”