Upko Youth: Claim of Borneo bloc wanting to control Malaya an attempt to eliminate MA63

KOTA KINABALU (March 3): The narrative about the ‘Borneo Bloc’ wanting to ‘control Malaya’ is seen as an attempt to undermine the struggle to uphold the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

In his view, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang described it as being highly misleading, ‘deliberately played up to deny the legitimate rights and claims of Sabah and Sarawak’.

“This is not only baseless, but also illogical when assessed based on historical facts and the foundation of the formation of Malaysia.

“The demands by Sabah and Sarawak based on the MA63 are not intended to control or dominate any other region.

“Rather, they seek the implementation of rights that were lawfully agreed upon during the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.

“Statements by certain leaders from the peninsula questioning MA63 claims reflect either ignorance of history, or a failure to understand the basis of the country’s formation,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Felix pointed out that such a circumstance would only confuse the public and undermine the spirit of federation built upon the principles of justice and equality.

In this regard, he urged leaders in Peninsular Malaysia to be fair and responsible when commenting on issues related to MA63.

“This is where the importance of emphasising accurate historical education to the younger generation lies, particularly regarding the role and position of Sabah and Sarawak as founding partners of the Federation.”

Moreover, Felix called upon the people of Sabah and Sarawak to rise in unity and strengthen their solidarity to ensure that the rights and interests of both states would continue to be safeguarded and fully implemented.

“The time has come for us to ensure a just and equitable Malaysia.

“The development and progress gaps between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia should not continue to widen.

“This imbalance must be corrected through clear political commitment and consistent implementation of MA63.”

Felix also stressed that the struggle to claim the rights of Sabah and Sarawak was meant for the sake of justice and the well-being of all Malaysians, and ‘not an agenda of division’.