If DAP genuinely claims to uphold democracy, equality, federalism, and human rights, it must publicly answer one fundamental question: Does DAP recognise the right of the peoples of Sarawak and Sabah to determine their own political future?
That right naturally includes expressing—through peaceful, democratic, and lawful means—whether they wish to remain within the Malaysian federation or pursue a different constitutional status, including full independence.
This is not an extremist proposition. It is a fundamental question of democracy, consent, and the universal principle that a nation's destiny belongs strictly to its people.
A Partnership, Not Territorial Extensions
The formation of Malaysia was established upon specific constitutional arrangements and assurances intended to safeguard the distinct rights, sovereignty, and autonomy of Sarawak and Sabah. The political relationship between Malaya and the Borneo States can never be treated as though Sarawak and Sabah are merely ordinary territorial extensions of Malaya.
Furthermore, the principle of self-determination is globally recognized under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), which proclaims the right of all peoples to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.
Four Direct Questions DAP Must Answer Publicly
PBK challenges DAP to give the people of Borneo clear, unambiguous answers to the following four questions:
-
Right to Self-Determination: Does DAP recognise that the peoples of Sarawak and Sabah possess the inherent right to self-determination?
-
Parliamentary Debate: Will DAP support a formal parliamentary debate on the political status, constitutional rights, and self-determination of Sarawak and Sabah?
-
Democratic Process: Will DAP support a peaceful, democratic, and lawful process (such as a referendum) through which the people of Borneo may freely determine their constitutional future?
-
Democratic Justification: If DAP rejects self-determination for Sarawak and Sabah, upon what democratic, constitutional, or legal principles does it justify that rejection?
"DAP cannot evade these questions by accusing PBK of neglecting daily bread-and-butter issues. Our political future, constitutional status, economic rights, and natural resource sovereignty ARE the people’s daily concerns."
DAP’s Record in Federal Government
For decades, Borneo has been told that Malaysia is an equal partnership. Yet, Sarawak's authority over its resources, territorial waters, and development has been continuously eroded by federal legislation enacted from Kuala Lumpur.
Despite having been in the Federal Government—and remaining in power today—DAP has failed to deliver structural reforms:
-
No Resource Control: DAP did not secure full restoration of Sarawak's and Sabah's oil and gas rights.
-
Oppressive Federal Laws Retained: DAP has neither repealed nor reformed the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Territorial Sea Act 2012, or the Continental Shelf Act 1966—the key statutes locking away Borneo's wealth.
-
Unreturned Revenue: DAP has failed to ensure the full return of federal revenues collected from Sarawak and Sabah.
DAP cannot claim to champion democracy while denying Borneo the right to self-determination. Nor can it claim to defend true federalism while maintaining laws that reduce Sarawak and Sabah to dependent territories.
PBK’s Stand: The People Must Decide
PBK challenges DAP to take this issue to Parliament: Table it, debate it, and declare your position. Let the voters know whether DAP truly believes in the democratic rights of Sarawakians and Sabahans—or whether it merely exists to maintain Peninsular federal control over Borneo.
PBK's position is unwavering:
-
Sarawak’s future belongs to Sarawakians.
-
Sabah’s future belongs to Sabahans.
-
No West Malaysian party holds the moral authority to decide the destiny of Borneo on our behalf.
Any decision concerning our future must be pursued peacefully, democratically, and in accordance with international law and constitutional principles.
No political party claiming to represent democracy should ever fear letting the people speak.
Voon Lee Shan
President
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK)
