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By Daniel John Jambun, 29-7-2025
DATUK Masidi Manjun’s statement that “if we want to be like Sarawak, we must think like its people” is, at best, a political smokescreen — and at worst, a desperate attempt to distract from GRS’ failure to defend Sabah’s autonomy.
Let us be absolutely clear: Sabah cannot become like Sarawak because GRS does not act like GPS. Sarawak’s strength lies not in political rhetoric, but in its refusal to bow to Malaya-based parties.
1. Sarawak Defends Its Autonomy — GRS Gave It Away
Sarawak has full control over its immigration, health, and education policies. Its government is led entirely by local parties under GPS — not UMNO, not Bersatu, and certainly not Pakatan Harapan. Not a single Malaya-based party has influence over Sarawak’s cabinet or policy direction.
Meanwhile in Sabah, GRS willingly surrendered the people’s mandate to Malaya-based coalitions just to stay in power. The very same parties that once sidelined and exploited Sabah are now welcomed back into government through the back door — all under the pretense of “political stability.”
Masidi speaks of “thinking like Sarawak,” yet continues to serve a government propped up by Pakatan Harapan. Is that what Sabah-centric leadership looks like?
2. Sarawak Fights When Shortchanged — Sabah’s Leaders Submit
When Petronas denied Sarawak its oil and gas rights, GPS took them to court. Sarawak asserted its rights under the Oil Mining Ordinance and won. That is leadership.
What did GRS do when Sabah faced the same injustices? Absolutely nothing. In fact, they mocked those who suggested Sabah take similar legal action. Worse still, they now boast about owning a mere 25% equity in a Petronas project — as if that token stake is some grand victory — while Sarawak already owns its own oil company (Petros) and collects billions annually through state sales tax.
3. Stability Without Sovereignty Is Submission
Masidi wants us to believe that “stability” is the key to Sarawak’s success. The truth is, Sarawak’s stability is rooted in autonomy, dignity, and firm negotiations with the Federal Government — not in blind obedience.
In Sabah, GRS uses the word “stability” to mask betrayal. To remain in power, they’ve welcomed back the very forces that looted Sabah — and now expect the people to be thankful for it.
4. 16 Chief Ministers Is a Symptom — But GRS Is the Disease
Yes, Sabah has had 16 Chief Ministers. But this political instability stems from a culture of party-hopping, backdoor deals, and leaders who serve the interests of Kuala Lumpur over the people of Sabah — the very playbook GRS continues to follow today.
If Masidi is sincere about political maturity, he should start by admitting that GRS itself is the biggest obstacle to Sabah’s stability and sovereignty.
5. If You Want to Be Like Sarawak, Learn From Its Leadership
If we truly want to follow Sarawak’s example, then let us also follow its leadership model — one that is principled, courageous in defending state rights, and free from the kind of corruption scandals that plague GRS leaders.
How can Sabah ever be like Sarawak when our government is filled with leaders more concerned with protecting cronies and self-interest than fighting for Sabah’s rightful place in the federation?
We don’t need to merely think like Sarawak — we need to govern with the same principles and courage. Sarawak defends its rights, safeguards its autonomy, and never begs Putrajaya for what is constitutionally theirs. Sabah under GRS, on the other hand, has become a political outpost — not a partner in the federation, but a passenger waiting for instructions from Kuala Lumpur.
Masidi can continue preaching about “stability” and “political maturity” — but true maturity means having the courage to say no to domination, no to exploitation, and no to selling out Sabah’s future just to save a sinking administration.
If GRS had even half the political courage shown by Sarawak’s leaders, Sabah would not still be begging for what is already enshrined in the Constitution. The truth is plain to see:
Sabah is not like Sarawak because GRS is not GPS — and until we remove this submissive, compromised leadership, Sabah will remain colonised under a new name.
Daniel John Jambun is President of
Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS).#~Borneo Herald™
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