Believing that you control your own destiny, that is the meaning of self-determination. In other words, standing on your own two feet. Less than one week from today, we will be voting to determine the future of our families and this country.  

Pakatan Harapan has made good headway in Peninsular Malaysia; we may get a new PM. Their mantra is to get rid of corruption and kleptocrats. But no one understands or questions the root causes of corruption. It does not only come from corrupt individuals; it also results from a series of broken systems.  

Sabah contributes around RM80 billion to the nation’s coffers; it ought to receive 40% as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. But that was never payable to Sabah since the formation of Malaysia in 1963.  

This is a breach of international agreement. Sabah was never part of the Federation of Malaya signed in 1957. Yet the incumbent MP from Kota Kinabalu says that getting our due will deprive other states in Malaysia. He is a Sabahan who speaks for the benefit of the DAP high table. 

The survival of every politician depends on his/her ability to deliver promises made during their campaign period and on ensuring the development of their constituency.  

There is an imbalance in development occurring in this country. Peninsular Malaysia has better roads, job employment opportunities, downstream industry, and so forth. Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia has unquestioningly allowed this to happen for 59 years.  

When is Sabah going to stand up for itself? 

Warisan is the only local-based party that takes bold steps in walking towards self-determination and in proposing a Borneo Bloc with Sarawak once the election dust settles. The combined seats of Sabah and Sarawak will ensure that East Malaysia’s concerns are taken seriously. 

Pakatan Harapan’s enticement to East Malaysia is the return of rights and the position of deputy prime minister as cherry on the cake. This is done to quell any uprising from the Borneo states. The appointed individuals may even get the federal title of “Tan Sri”. This is inducement—another form of corruption. 

Some may argue that you need to see the bigger picture to save the country. Well, the bigger picture is the Federal Government fulfilling their oath as trustees of both Sabah and Sarawak to help East Malaysia realise its full potential.  

It is time for East Malaysians to stand up and vote wisely. – November 14, 2022.  

* Remy Majangkim reads The Malaysian Insight.  

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.