April 8, 2015
Group of 47 Sabahans pen Open Letter to Najib Administration
G47 wants Putrajaya “to restore the aspirations and intentions of our founding fathers in 1963”.
KOTA KINABALU: Concerned citizens in Sabah, a group of 47 Sabahans and Sabah residents, have written a letter to the Sabah and Federal Governments to express their deep concerns at the government’s response to the violations of religious freedom in the country. This is happening, they added, within the context of misguided and extreme actions undertaken in the implementation of what was claimed to be policies for the inculcation of Islamic values.
The Group was calling upon the Prime Minister, Chief Minister of Sabah, and both Federal and state ministers, to take on the full mantle of leadership and to take steps “to restore the aspirations and intentions of our founding fathers in 1963”.
“We speak against the violation of our fundamental right and freedom of religion that has been promised and guaranteed to the people of Sabah,” said the Group of 47 Citizens in the letter drafted by lawyer Gayle Jokinin.The group includes Simon Sipaun, former Sabah Secretary and the first Vice Chairman of Suhakam.
On September 16, 1963, they pointed out, Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah covenanted to unite together to form the Federation of Malaysia, “each component state being an equal partner in the Federation”.
“Sabah and Sarawak agreed to this unity strictly on 20-point and 18-point conditions respectively.”
Of all these conditions, said G47, the first was the assurance that Sabahans and Sarawakians will continue to enjoy their freedom of religion. “While Islam will continue to remain the religion of the new Federation this does not make the enlarged nation any less a secular polity,” the letter read.
For Sabahans, it read, the covenant for the preservation of this freedom was of such great significance that it was carved in the Oath Stone located in Keningau and officiated by the Federal Minister of Labour, V. Manickavasagam on Aug 31,1964, witnessed by state officials, political and community leaders and members of the public.
“This guarantee is found in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.,” it said. “It calls for freedom to profess, practise, propagate and manage our respective faiths, including establishing and maintaining institutions for religious and charitable purposes, without interference and intervention by the state.”
It is found, the letter further read, in Article 12 which guarantees parental rights over the religion, the religious upbringing and the religious instruction of their children.
It is found, it continued, in Article 8 which guarantees equality of all Malaysians without discrimination on the grounds of religion. “Therefore, we strongly oppose actions, policies and laws that violate our guaranteed religious freedom,” the Group said. “After more than five decades of the formation of Malaysia, it is sad that today racial and religious polarization in this country have reached an alarming level.”
The proliferation of oppressive laws that violate our fundamental civil liberties continues unabated, the Group lamented, “Upsetting judicial decisions, unclear Government policies and aggressiveness of certain parties in promoting restrictions to our freedom of religion have caused uneasiness to Sabahans.”
In Sabah and particularly in the interior, it noted, aggressive Islamisation activities are being carried out by both covert and overt means to convert especially the Orang Asal through intimidation, deception, or inducement particularly targeting remote and poor villagers. “Conversion ceremonies are being carried out under the guise of providing ‘financial assistance’ to poor natives and native school children especially those living in government hostels.”
The National Registration Department, stressed Group 47, despite its denials, was also labeling native Christians with “bin” or “binti” in their names, as Muslims in their MyKad without their knowledge or consent.
The Group hastened to add that it was not against conversions out of free will “but we condemn conversion activities done through deceit, intimidation and bribery”.
The drive to increase the Muslim population of Sabah by the granting of MyKad to illegal Muslim immigrants, it said, has been a long standing bone of contention of genuine Sabahans against both the state and Federal Governments. “We Sabahans know that at the heart of it all is an exercise to suppress the voice of the majority genuine non-Muslim Sabahans, and to degenerate our native population and our freedom of religion.”
Government departments and religious bodies, it continued, have been asserting authority beyond their powers for far too long and such unlawful and oppressive practices simply must cease immediately. “Extreme and misguided actions in the name of Islamisation and religious intolerance was nothing but a threat to our national peace and stability.”
After more than 51 years of being one nation, we consider that this nation has regressed far from its intended destiny, said the Group. “We, genuine and patriotic Sabahans, want the restoration of the original national vision and intention of our founding fathers of building a rainbow nation of Malaysia.”
Malaysia, it said, was multi-cultural and multi-religious. “The colours in a rainbow signify diversity and each and every colour in Malaysia has an equal part to play in the development and growth of this nation.”
It added three further points:
- In our pursuit of building this nation, there must be mutual tolerance and respect for one another’s background and beliefs; Ideologies promoted by political parties and especially their leaders must be based on fairness, tolerance and respect for others; and politicization of a particular religion for narrow partisan gains simply has no place in this pluralistic society of Malaysia.
- “We are compelled by our loyalty to the nation and our sense of responsibility for the people of Sabah and our future generations to assert these concerns in this letter,” said Group 47. “In this way we can together confront the challenges which erode national unity and pose a risk to our national integrity.”
- We, like many other concerned Malaysians, call upon the Prime Minister, Chief Minister of Sabah, and both Federal and state ministers, to take on the full mantle of leadership and to take steps to restore the aspirations and intentions of our founding fathers in 1963.
The list of Signatories:
1) Tan Sri Simon Sipaun, former State Secretary of Sabah and vice-chairman of Suhakam; 2) Datuk Hj Mohd Noor Mansoor, former Finance Minister of Sabah; 3) Datuk Wilfred Lingham, former Permanent Secretary, Tourism Ministry, Sabah; 4) Datuk Joseph Voon, former Member of Parliament of Tanjung Aru; 5) Datuk Stephen Foo Kiat Shim, former state Attorney-General of Sabah; 6) Datuk Gregory Joitol, former deputy State Secretary of Sabah; 7) Datuk Christine Tibok Vanhouten, former Senator and Advisor to the Society for Sabah Heart Fund; 8) Reverend Datuk Jerry Dusing, president of Sabah Council of Churches; 9) Dr Chong Eng Leong, surgeon/activist; 10) Datuk James Hj Ghani, advocate and solicitor; 11) Datuk Dr Lawrence Thien Shin Hing, advocate and solicitor.
12) Datuk John Sikayun, former president of Sabah Law Association; 13) Datuk Patrick Sindu, consumer activist; 14) Datuk Dr Beatrice Baikan, consultant of Coral Triangle Initiative – Southeast Asia; 15) Datuk Justin Stimol, president of the Standard Kadazan Language Society; 16) Francis Ariffin, ex-chairman, MTUC, Sabah Division; 17) S.M. Muthu, environment activist;18) Dr Benedict Topin, activist; 19) Dr Mercian Anselmus, environment activist; 20) Daniel John Jambun, president of Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation; 21) Jannie Lasimbang, former Suhakam Commissioner; 22) Narawi Ahmad, president of Sabah People Right Movement; 23) Esther Golingi, chairperson of Perpaduan Anak Negeri Sabah; 24) Oswald Supi, freelance reporter.
25) Nicholas Punai, activist; 26) Dr David Fung Yin Kee, advocate and solicitor; 27) Christopher Chong Ket Huang, advocate and solicitor; 28) Marianne Ghani, advocate and solicitor; 29) Gayle Jokinin, advocate and solicitor; 30) Emmeline Paitin, advocate and solicitor; 31) Jan Chow Yee Fah, activist; 32) Chester Pang Thien Fook, activist; 33) Joanna Andereas, activist; 34) Bernice Lau Kam Mun, activist; 35) Bernard Tai Khiun Mien, environmental advocate; 36) Chin Chi Kiong, Native leadership advocate; 37) Dr Anthony Tibok, agricultural consultant; 38) Chris LaBrooy, retired pilot-captain; 39) Clive Jubilee, advocate and solicitor; 40) Anne B. Lasimbang, Partners of Community Organisation; 41) Adrian Lasimbang, executive director of Tobpinai Ningkokoton Koburuon Kampung; 42) Yee I-Lann Maria, artist/activist; 43) Chaw Thien Huong, activist; 44) Chin Min Chan, pastor; 45) Ranendra Bhattacharyya, activist; 46) Lim Yin Yen, activist; and 47) Yuen Che Wui, activist.
Din Merican: the Malaysian DJ Blogger 
Sabahans and Sarawakians deserve a better deal. The time to act to remedy past injustices and inequities is now. Listen to these voices before it is too late. –Din Merican
Looks like the “safe deposit” holders want a re-negotiation of the interest payable.
Now we see the hidden wisdom of 1MDB.
In the light of this open letter, it would be nice if the P.M., the CM of Sabah, and the Federal and State Ministers could take note and act on the points highlighted Very often, it is not those at the top who are responsible for acting contrary to what were agreed upon by our past leaders.. It is those responsible for enforcement and implementation.. Thank you.
I personally want to record my deepest appreciation to the group of 47 for having done a great job that is long overdue. I hope this is the beginning of a new chapter of renewed Malaysia to the tune founded by our forefathers which was underlined in the 20 point agreement. If our plight goes unresolved as it is now going from bad to worst then, we have no choice but to secede from the federation. There is no reason for any thinking person to denounce our sincere pursuit for justice as it has happened to Singapore, which is now thriving, despite its inadequacies and lack of natural resources, they have proven as one of the most develop nation on earth. Sabah must be freed from the hands of tyranny and be allowed to decide for our own future because we know what is best for us. I hope this will happen during my life time for I do not want my children and the new generations in general to inherit the terrible mistake done by our forefathers, who were being deceived to joining the federation with promises that was beyond our expectation. SECESSION IS THE ULTIMATE ANSWER FOR ANY COMPROMISE WILL ONLY BE TEMPORARY THAT WOULD NOT LAST LONG!!
Yes I agree Sabahan and Sarawakian deserve a better deal. But then again, all these voices are falling on deaf ears. Unless and until Sabahan and Sarawakian take positive affirmative action then the powers that be will sit up and listen to all their grievances and grouses. Look at the way Sabah and Sarawak leaders respond to those unanswered question put forward by the Mamak (not that I have any respect and support for him but these are the questions that we have been asking and waiting for answers), instead, they supported the continued silence by those involved. At the rate Sabah and Sarawak leaders are going, how are they going to get their grievances and grouses addressed and resolved. This morning, someone whatsapp me this caption: “Dumb politician are not the problem. The problem is the dumb people that keep voting for them.” You make the guess, who are the dumb people.
All it takes is a handful of MPs from Sabah and Sarawak to join with PR to file a “motion of No Confidence on the BN government”.
Do not fall for the current clamour to just replace the Prime Minister. It is not just the PM that is incapable, it is the whole of the BN Government that is not working. It is rotten to the core.
Din,
I do wonder if the so called amendment of Sedition Act would lead to this
And Sabah silent riot!
If the group represent majority of Sabahans and Sarawakians, then they can change the govt, by voting them out. If only 47 individuals express their concern and the rest are being bribed and forgot the future of their generaion then I pray that they stand fast.
As far as Putrajaya is concerned, Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya to form a larger federation and the east Malaysian political leaders cooperated with KL so that they could partake the privileges. After all these years someone or perhaps Sabah officials have reportedly changed the Stone Oath in Keningau!
To get the desired change these people must try their luck with the federal opposition. After all it is UMNO that has left them in such misery. Sabahans cannot go alone.
The greatest obstacle in the secession issue is the BN leaders of Sabah particularly the Kadazandusun leaders like Pairin who has lost his direction because of self-interest and poor judgment . He is a man who can’t decide what is best for Sabah as we have seen how he dealt with the PTI in Sabah.
Why do Sabahan continue to live a delusion, as far as Sabah is concerned Malaysia Agreement is not dead already? With the amendment to the Sedition Act, they can’t talk about Hudud and Islamic laws and they can talk about secession – what does that mean? That means they can’t say the Malaysia Agreement is dead when it already is..
Efforts are not in vain , now more people from Sabah are speaking up for what they rightly deserved and want.- that more importantly that works for all, briefly, a Model-Governance, Accountability and Competency Dependent System, necessarily of a ”New Coalition Government” form from leaders across the bench, who are prepared and Committed to Adopt the systems to start on a Clean Slate , regardless.
Because everything else had FAILED !
It is about time the Sabah MPs and State Aduns do the same , as with those from Sarawak, and those from the peninsular, regardless of the political affiliations, if it is not for yourselves, at least your children.
Learn and take lessons of history. When the Balkan states broke up, it was free for all, leaving the rump state of Yugoslavia; ie Serbia. Muslims Bosnians and Serbian Bosnians are at each others throat. Enough have been said, written and discussed about the Balkans.Now do Sabah have the same ingredients as Bosnia? At least Bosnia has no external forces to join in the progrom (except for Soviet Union).
Here is a possible scenario of post-secession Sabah :
1. Internal Forces : Muslims, Christian Kadazans, and others have to put their acts together. (Singapore did not secede but was “sacked” and have a big single majority race and still thrive on the Malay hinterlands)
External Forces: The Philippines claims will go full reactivation (there are sufficient Sabahan Suluks to cause this problems). Indonesia would be at bay. China would not want to be left out. Malaysia would be performing an irresponsible act to let Sabah secede knowing the uncertain possibilities that may arise.
Sabah would be better off to renegotiate their status in Malaysia. That would only be a reality if the great majority people of Sabahans themselves vote the government that would work for them.