Borneo Farmers Urge PMX to Intervene in Leadership Ban Issue

2 August 2025

TAMBUNAN : Farmers from Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan are appealing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to urgently intervene in resolving a policy issue that bars individuals aged 70 and above from holding any leadership positions in farmers’ organisations, despite being legitimate shareholders.

According to Cyril P. Yansalang, the Founding Chairman of the Sabah State Farmers’ Organisation (PPNS), the restriction is deeply disheartening as it sidelines the rights and voices of veteran members who have long contributed to the agricultural sector since their youth.

“We are legitimate members and shareholders of the farmers' organisations, but once we reach the age of 70, we are no longer allowed to lead at the village unit level, or serve on area, state, or national boards of directors.

“What is the point of investing and contributing all these years if, in the end, we are denied the right to manage and safeguard the assets we collectively own?” he said in a media statement today.

He believes the Prime Minister, known for his empathy and commitment to the rural community, will be able to find a fair resolution that protects the welfare of farmers, especially in Borneo.

Cyril also expressed hope that Anwar would make a significant announcement in conjunction with the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) 2025, which he is scheduled to officiate in Kota Kinabalu, to restore the voice and role of farmers in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.

“We believe PMX will hear the voices of us small rural farmers who contribute to national food security year after year, yet are often left out of policy-making processes,” he said.

He also voiced concern over the status of the National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS), which he claims has had its constitution suspended for some time, resulting in a lack of effective oversight of management and investments involving members' interests.

“We worry that, without transparent oversight by shareholders, there is a risk of abuse of power or misappropriation of investment funds. Therefore, we fully support the Madani government's efforts to rid the country of corruption and abuse of power , including within the farmers’ institutions themselves,” he emphasised.

He added that should any wrongdoing by leaders, managers, or officials within farmers’ organisations or related government agencies be proven, legal action must be taken without compromise to restore members’ trust and institutional integrity.

Cyril also presented three key demands on behalf of grassroots farmers for the Prime Minister’s attention:

Grassroots Engagement in Policy-Making: Provide broader opportunities for farmers to be the main voice in policy discussions with government agencies, as current policies often fail to reflect the actual realities and needs of farmers on the ground.

Increased Allocation for Farmers' Organisations: Request additional funding for farmers’ movements nationwide so that the benefits reach individual members who play a crucial role in national food and agricultural production.

Direct Allocation to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan: Urge that agricultural development funds for Borneo be channelled directly to the respective state governments to avoid delays caused by federal bureaucracy and to accelerate comprehensive sector development.

He expressed confidence that the Madani government’s commitment to social justice and balanced development would ensure that the concerns of farmers from Borneo receive the Prime Minister’s due attention.

“We are not asking for more than what is fair. We simply want our rights as owners and contributors to this sector to be recognised. The voices of rural farmers must be heard and given a place in the systems that shape the nation’s food future,” he stated.