Greater decentralisation, not a "review" of the Malaysia Agreement

The Federal Constitution is clear about the safeguards for Sabah. These safeguards are not enjoyed by other states in the federation (except Sarawak). Enough said about why these safeguards were included. What is important now is how they can be effectively implemented for the benefits of Sabahans. This is where a robust decentralisation policy for the country is needed. The main argument in support for decentralisation is that Sabah is culturally and geographically unique compared to other states especially in Peninsular Malaysia.

Decentralisation will allow Sabah leaders, administrators, policy makers and implementers to develop the state according to its needs. Take, for instance, the construction of schools in rural areas. Federal and state education officers should be empowered to make decisions faster for the benefit of rural school children. This should also be applied in public delivery system involving federal services.  

Sabah should also be allowed to determine how best its multiracial society be managed. This is important to preserve Sabah’s cultural uniqueness. The naming or re-naming of ethnic groups in Sabah should be done after consulting the state’s various cultural stakeholders. Economically, local players should be empowered so that they can design and implement business models suited for Sabah’s business environment.

If Sabah leaders are not happy that they are getting little powers to manage the state, they should form a committee to look into the division of powers between state and federal governments i.e. State List, Federal List and Concurrent List in the Federal Constitution. For starters, a high-level bipartisan committee should be formed to look into this carefully. The committee can then study and recommend strategies to improve the implementation of state and federal powers. The next step is to push for an amendment in the Federal Constitution. This is more practical than persuading the August House to review the Malaysia Agreement, IGC (Inter-Governmental Committee) Report and 20-point.

Academic debates on the Malaysia Agreement should be encouraged but Sabah needs more than intellectual exercises to develop its people. Sabahans need education, jobs, better standard of living, and more importantly, security. It is time for Sabahans to embrace progressive ideas to develop Sabah. There are better ways to safeguard Sabah’s unique position in the federation. The Malaysia Agreement is still -- and forever will be -- relevant in spirit. This spirit must be carried on by pragmatic and progressive thinking Sabahans.