Jannie Lasimbang calls for unity in MA63 struggle

26 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The restoration of Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is not the responsibility of any single individual or political party, but a shared journey that every Sabahan must undertake, said former Kapayan Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang.

“While many claim to champion Sabah’s cause, the struggle for recognition and equality began with our founding leaders in 1963, who entered the Federation of Malaysia with hope and vision,” she said.

“Our forefathers signed the MA63 with the hope of building a nation founded on mutual respect and equal partnership. They believed Sabah would stand proudly as an equal partner in the federation. The Batu Sumpah erected in Keningau in 1964 reaffirmed the aspirations of the indigenous peoples.”

Jannie said Sabah has endured many painful chapters, including the Double Six Tragedy, the 1985 riots, and the 2013 Sulu intrusion. “Despite these trials, Sabahans have persevered, as our forefathers believed that future generations would continue to defend Sabah’s dignity and rightful place in Malaysia,” she added.

She acknowledged the pivotal contributions of leaders such as Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee, Zainal Ajamain, Datuk Ewon Benedick and others, noting that each had played a role in advancing the MA63 cause from awareness to action, leading to key milestones such as the Sabah Law Society’s legal victory on the State’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.

“Our struggle has evolved according to the information and progress achieved over time. In the early 1980s, leaders like Dr Jeffrey and Yong Teck Lee focused on the 20 Points, while around the year 2000 we began referencing the MA63 documents directly,” she said.

“Today, MA63 is recognised nationally as a foundational and binding document, not merely a symbolic one. Current discussions are focused on restoring equal partner status, decentralisation, and the implementation of outstanding rights.”

She stressed that none of these achievements came from the efforts of one individual alone, but through decades of collective wisdom, perseverance, and love for Sabah.

“Achieving the goals of MA63 should be seen as a service-oriented and principled cause, not a partisan issue. It is about honouring the courage of those who came before us and ensuring their dream lives on,” she said.

“Let Sabahans and leaders alike rally in unity, for divisions will only derail the progress we have worked so hard to achieve. Let history remember us not for our quarrels but for our unity, not for how loudly we spoke, but for how far we carried Sabah forward.”

“As long as I serve, I will continue doing my part to keep that promise alive, for Sabah and for every Sabahan who believes we deserve our rightful place in Malaysia.”