‘Be transparent on Indian consulate plan, respect Sabah’s rights’

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 9): Warisan Sepanggar deputy division chief Norazmi Alimat has raised concerns over a proposal to establish an Indian consulate in Sabah.

He said the move has caused unease among many Sabahans, particularly youths.

Norazmi said the proposal has drawn objections related to security, state sovereignty, and Sabah’s rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Article 161E of the Federal Constitution clearly states that any certain actions or decisions affecting the rights, powers or special position of Sabah cannot be undertaken without the consent of the Sabah State Government.

“Full involvement of the Sabah State Cabinet or the Sabah State Legislative Assembly must be ensured in such matters,” he said in a statement on Monday.

He noted that although foreign affairs fall under federal jurisdiction, the implementation of policies within Sabah must respect these constitutional safeguards.

“Sabah continues to face challenges such as illegal immigrantion, security concerns in the ESSZONE, social and economic pressures on locals.

“The youth, in particular, are concerned that decision made without careful planning could affect employment, social security and the future of coming generations,” he said.

Norazmi highlighted that the direct benefits to the consulate to Sabah’s population remain unclear, including guarantees of local employment opportunities, investment impacts, and safeguards against potential misuse of consular functions.

He urged the both the federal and state government to provide transparent disclosure of the consulate’s scope, functions, and implications, as well as to conduct comprehensive public consultations involving Sabahans, particularly youth, before any decision is finalised.

“Written assurances must be provided that Sabah’s autonomous rights, immigration powers, and security will not be compromised.

“The concerns of the people of Sabah are legitimate, well founded in law, and must be respected,” he stressed.

Norazmi added that while Sabahans do not oppose international reforms, any major decision affecting Sabah must be transparent, consultative, and made with the consent of the state government in accordance with Article 161E of the Federal Constitution and the spirit of the spirit of MA63.

“Sabah is a founding partner of the Federation, not a bystander,” he added.