Speaking at a webinar hosted by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) titled “58 Years of Malaysia: Narratives of Nationhood”, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak deputy dean Arnold Puyok said while there has long been talk about secession from the federation and constitutional amendments, these occur without clearly defined outcomes.
“That discussion has to be more structured, specific and constructive, we cannot afford to talk about secession and Sabah and Sarawak’s rights just to inflame the sentiments of the people.
“We have political leaders who have been talking about it for a long time, but when they are in government they seem incapable of addressing it,” he said.
“Instead, politicians and the people must be clear about the specific rights and advantages they want upheld, the potential legal amendments that they envision and the kind of autonomy they hope the states can be provided with.
“When people talk about constitutional amendments, what do they really want? To return to a pre-1976 version (where Sabah and Sarawak were listed separately from the peninsula states)? There still needs to be clarity about what kind of equal partnership is desired (from the amendments)?
“Is it a restructuring of the federation? Would that mean a super federation, a confederation? It’s not just enough to rearrange some words, they must have meaning.”
He said that with politics appearing to be more open now, the timing is right for these discussions to be had and for “a Malaysia that belongs to all” to be devised.
On notions of Malaysia being a failed state, he said he did not believe this was the case, instead pinning the blame on the nation’s leaders.
“We are not a failed state, it’s more that we have failed politicians, that’s what we need to address,” he argued.
“Malaysia has a bright future and lots of resources, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, but we lack statesmen, nation builders and good managers. (Instead) we have a lot of career politicians.”
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