KUCHING: In order to mitigate the ‘acrimonious relationship’ between Malaya and the two Bornean states of Sarawak and Sabah, the federation needs to be kept stable by way of understanding each partner’s characteristics while striving to live in peace and harmony.
When making this point, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing opined that the “marriage” between Malaya and the two Bornean states was never smooth.
He observed that misunderstandings the partners kept cropping up again and again.
“Because of this misunderstanding and constant bickering, such as over the distribution of resources, some Sarawakians and Sabahans feel the only way out is divorce or in political terms, secession,” he said in a statement for Malaysia Day.
“There is, I am told, no provision in our Federal Constitution for secession. There is a way in international law which allows for a referendum, but this is easier said than done,” said the Infrastructure and Ports Development Minister.
He pointed out that the International Court of Justice (IJC) would not grant secession if there is lack of proof to show oppression by the federal authority.
On the birth of Malaysia 58 years ago on Sept 16, 1963, he said it was a momentous and historical event for Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah. Singapore, as everyone knows, later left the union in 1965.
“Happy 58th birthday, Malaysia!” he concluded.
