THE handling of corruption allegations linked to state-owned Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) – and any black-ops* related to it – should not distract from the greater pursuit of decolonisation and state autonomy as earmarked by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Editor’s Note: Black ops refers to a secret mission or campaign carried out by a military, governmental or NGOs in which the organisation typically conceals or denies its involvement.
While addressing local corruption is essential, two Bornean activists have called on Sabah and Sarawak to demonstrate their capability for self-governance to achieve the promises of MA63 fully amidst what they deemed as “the SMM ‘whistleblower’ distractions”.
The activists – Sabah Defender of Ancestral Lands (MOPOT) president Atama Katama and Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban – further urged leaders of Sabah and Sarawak to remain vigilant and united in preserving and ensuring that the rights of their people are not overshadowed by distractions or exploitation.
“We urge Sabahans and Sarawakians to push harder for the implementation of MA63 but to also prove through our actions that we’re capable of fulfilling the ‘full measure of self-government’ entrusted to us under decolonisation,” Katama pointed out in a joint statement.


Added Jaban: “Self-determination is not just a principle; it is a right. Sabah and Sarawak must show the world that we are stronger than the forces that try to undermine us and that our unity can overcome any attempt to distract from our ultimate goal of autonomy.”
In this regard, both activists raised concerns about the Madani government’s commitment to Sabah and Sarawak’s rights, alluding to the irony of the current political landscape.
“At the very least, PMX Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should remember that his unity government exists because of Borneo MPs,” reminded Jaban who is also the Malaysian Action for Justice and Unity (MAJU) co-founder.
“Without Sabah and Sarawak withdrawing their support for Perikatan Nasional (PN), he wouldn’t even be in power,”
Added Atama Katama who is also the permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) for Dayak International Organisation: “Why does the federal government focus on Sabah’s supposed shortcomings while political parties from Peninsular Malaysia are drowning in corruption scandals?”
At the end of the day, both contended that this is not just a political battle “but a historical one whereby the pursuit of autonomy and justice is non-negotiable”. – Dec 5, 2024
Main image credit: Sabah BIG Mouth blog