Investigate serious allegation against Chief Minister, says Sabah top activist

                             Kanul Gindol

By Luke Rintod, 8-10-2023

KOTA BELUD: A top Sabah socio-political activist has called on the police and MACC to immediately launch investigation on a serious allegation of abuse of power against the Sabah Chief Minister, Hajiji Noor.

Kanul Gindol in statement released here today, said the allegation against the CM has been circulating in social media and became a hot  coffeeshop talk in recent days.

"As a socio-political activist, i am shocked to read and hear such allegations of abuses of power against the Chief Minister, he being made to appear in cahoot with certain parties in scandalous deals," he said.

The allegation of abuse of power relates to a vast tract of silica-rich land in Balambangan Island north of Kudat, awarded to companies linked to a Sarawakian businessman who is purportedly Hajiji's friend.

According to write-ups in social media sighted by Borneo Herald, the 968.4 hectares in Balambangan belong to Sabah Foundation, a state statutory body, closely linked to the ruling politicians.

Sabah Chief Minister is vested with certain power to approve application for state land, up to 242.8 hectares, without going through the State Cabinet. 

However in this case it was alleged that the 968.4 ha was parcelled into four applications so as to circumvent the requirement for Cabinet approval.

Kanul said: "I strongly believe a thorough investigation will reveal the truth of the matter, and that it will exonerate the CM if he is found innocent of such serious allegation."

He further said, the authorities must leave no stone unturned in their investigation.#

Sabah, Sarawak better without the Federal rotten education system, say top Borneo activists

JOINT Press Statement 

7th October 2023

[ Responding to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek's recent announcement that the Dual Language Programme (DLP) for school subjects of science and mathematics, is being phased out, and back to Bahasa Malaysia as the only medium of teaching these subjects ]

Daniel John Jambun President Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)

Robert Pei President Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)

Kanul Gindol Chairman Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo 

Voon Lee Shan

President Parti Bumi Kenyalang 

SABAH SARAWAK MUST DISTANCE ITSELF FROM THE ENCROACHING MALAYSIA'S ROTTEN EDUCATION SYSTEM 

Concerned citizen have been praying and working hard in all the previous General elections with the hope that a new government will prevail replacing the corrupt BN government. A new government that is based on good governance, transparent, accountable, just and fair, and above all respects and upholds rule of law.

But Alas, we were wrong, we ended up caught in a situation akin to jumping  out from the frying pan only to land on the fire. 

The education system in Malaysia is regressing steadily towards South, bogged down by politics based on racism, xenophobia and hate, and flawed affiliate action.

It maybe all about the "dog in the manger" approach at the highly politicised Education Ministry.

The Education Ministry has always been used by the government of the day for gathering votes ala ketuanan Melayu ie Malay political supremacy and dominance, a dubious combination of Malaya nationalism and internal colonisation.

Colonisation, defined as the transfer of wealth from those who had no power for the benefit for those who had power viz the colonial nation as mother nation.

Project IC Mahathir, registered in the electoral rolls and allowed to vote in an election is internal colonisation .

Colonisation is also the domination of the people's mind by means of using the education system to mould them mentally. 

The move to drop the use of English goes against the recent announcements by Premier Abang Jo to continue the use of English.

So how is it going to affect education in Sabah and Sarawak?

Sabah Sarawak must distance itself from the encroaching Malaysia's rotten  education system 

and established a progressive education system that link for the work place both locally and abroad.

This can only be achieved when Sabah Sarawak gain independence. 

Thank you.

Orang Asal Activists Support the Sabah Law Society's Call for Legal Reform in Sabah

By Daniel John Jambun & Kanul Gindol

5-10-2023

WE applaud the initiative taken by the Sabah Law Society (SLS) in advocating for the modernization of state laws that have become outdated to better serve the needs of our evolving society. The outdated colonial-era laws need to be repealed and reformed to align with the legal framework of contemporary realities.

We, as concerned Orang Asal  (Momogun) and advocates for justice and progress, stand in full support of the SLS's call for legal reforms in Sabah. It is essential that our state laws keep pace with the changing times, address the rights and welfare of all individuals, and promote fairness and justice for everyone.

In line with the SLS’s initiative, we, the Orang Asal  (Momogun), urge the Sabah Government to be brave and have the political will to review and find solutions to the Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance. It is crucial that the term "Native" accurately reflects the indigenous peoples of Sabah, those who are unique to our Sabah.

This distinction is essential to uphold the rights and identity of Sabah's indigenous communities.

The Native Ordinance is a creation of the British Colonial government and should be reviewed, amended to clarify the two distinct definitions of natives, namely, the  Indigenous People - Orang Asal (Momogun) - who are the original inhabitants of Sabah and the Non-Indigenous People who claimed to be Native of Sabah.

*All Orang Asal are native, unless not born in Sabah, but not all native if born in Sabah are Orang Asal (Momogun).*

*Native was about status in law. There must be proof of identity, not necessarily based on MyKad*

*Orang Asal (Momogun)was about status in law based on property rights and not about being Native and it isn't about "race"*

*Orang Asal  (Momogun) is about NCR land i.e. ancestral and historical property rights under Adat, i.e. the 1st law in international law, based on customary practices and have force of law like the Constitution.*

Orang Asal (Momogun) stand defined by NCR land under Article 13 (property rights), Article 5 (right to life) and Article 8 (no discrimination).

The colonial era Native Interpretation Ordinance, an inferior law, must be repealed. There's no similar enactment or insertion in the Constitution, whether state or federal. 

In law, Article 4, inferior law remains null and void by the extent of  inconsistency with superior law. Still, even invalid law remains valid, unless declared otherwise by the court or repealed by the state assembly.

Having said that, we humbly urge the government to consider these important recommendations and work collaboratively with the SLS to enact the necessary legal reforms. Modernising our legal framework and ensuring the accurate representation of indigenous (Momogun) communities is not just a matter of practicality but also a testament to our commitment to justice, equality, and progress for all residents of Sabah.

On another note, it is very important for Sabah and Sarawak government to know and understand that,

Federal Territory has lower status than state. It was Mahathir who deliberately floated the idea. He wanted all talk on MA'63 ended.

People in Sabah and Sarawak never asked any questions.

Federal Territory means ruled directly by the Federal gov't. 

That's what New Delhi did in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.

Ladakh has become union territory in perpetuity.

Kashmir and Jammu have become union territories temporarily until terrorist activities cease and the security situation improves.

Then, their statehood will be restored.

If Sabah and Sarawak become federal territories, what does it mean?

Is it permanent or temporary?

If temporary, what happens after that?

SLS, again we kindly seek your opinion on this matter.

Daniel John Jambun is President of Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo), while 

Kanul Gindol is Chairman of Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo

Top Sabah Sarawak activists' joint statement seeking international solution to Sabah and Sarawak's position in Malaysia

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

3rd October, 2023

Daniel John Jambun President Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)

Robert Pei President Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)

Kanul Gindol Chairman Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo 

Voon Lee Shan

President Parti Bumi Kenyalang Sarawak (PBK)

Lina Soo

President Parti Aspirasi Sarawak

Bill Jugah

President International Coalition of Natives (ICON)

Cleftus Mojingol

President Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Rumpun Dayak Sabah (PKRDS)

Jose Telado

Human Rights Activist Sabah

Mosses Paul Anap

President Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB)

*Seeking International Resolution for Sabah and Sarawak's Position in Malaysia*

                       Daniel John Jambun

We applaud the efforts of Haniff Khatri Abdulla for bringing to light the pressing issue regarding the ambiguous status of Sabah and Sarawak within Malaysia. This issue deserves careful consideration and a fair resolution that reflects the interests and rights of all parties involved.

The question at hand revolves around the position of Sabah and Sarawak in the federation of Malaysia.

                             Robert Pei

The first issue for the court to examine is whether MA63 was a validly made International Treaty?  

In particular, the Court should also examine whether the process of making MA63 to facilitate the "integration" of North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak with Singapore into the Malayan Federation (renamed Malaysia), was inconsistent with the people's inalienable right to independence first, as promised by the UK in 1946.

                              Kanul Gindol

And second, whether the terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63 if valid) have been fully adhered to. In seeking a just and impartial solution to this matter, we respectfully disagree with the suggestion that the issue should be addressed by the Malaysian court.

Given the international nature of MA63, we believe it is essential to take this matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a recognized international tribunal dedicated to settling disputes between nations. Our call for an international venue is rooted in the following principles:

                          Voon Lee Shan

We intend to seek a comprehensive examination of the legality and validity of the Malaysia Agreement 1963. An impartial international body like the ICJ is well-suited to assess whether MA63 was validly established.

We are committed to ensuring a thorough evaluation of whether all parties involved have faithfully adhered to the terms and obligations set forth in MA63. This includes a review of compliance with the spirit and letter of the agreement.

We acknowledge the importance of upholding the perception of impartiality in any dispute resolution process. An international forum like the ICJ can help address concerns about potential bias and contribute to a more transparent and equitable resolution.

In our pursuit of justice and clarity regarding the status of Sabah and Sarawak, we believe that turning to the ICJ is a responsible and constructive step forward. It is our hope that all parties involved will support this endeavor as we seek a fair and internationally recognised solution.

Thank you.

Terjemahan Bahasa Malaysia

 **KENYATAAN MEDIA BERSAMA**

3hb Oktober 2023

Daniel John Jambun Presiden Yayasan Penderitaan Borneo di Malaysia (BoPiMaFo)

Robert Pei Presiden Hak Sabah Sarawak Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)

Kanul Gindol Pengerusi Inisiatif Masyarakat Madani Borneo (Gindol)

Voon Lee Shan

Presiden Parti Bumi Kenyalang Sarawak (PBK)

Lina Soo

Presiden Parti Aspirasi Sarawak

Bill Jugah

Presiden Gabungan Antarabangsa Orang Asli (ICON)

Cleftus Mojingol

Presiden Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Rumpun Dayak Sabah (PKRDS)

Jose Telado

Aktivis Hak Asasi Manusia Sabah

Mosses Paul Anap

President Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB)

*Mencari Penyelesaian Antarabangsa bagi Kedudukan Sabah dan Sarawak di Malaysia*

Kami mengalu-alukan usaha Haniff Khatri Abdulla kerana menyorot isu mendesak mengenai kedudukan yang tidak jelas bagi Sabah dan Sarawak dalam Malaysia. Isu ini memerlukan pertimbangan yang teliti dan penyelesaian yang adil yang mencerminkan kepentingan dan hak semua pihak yang terlibat.

Pertanyaan yang sedang dibincangkan adalah mengenai kedudukan Sabah dan Sarawak dalam persekutuan Malaysia.

Isu pertama yang perlu diuji oleh mahkamah adalah sama ada MA63 adalah Perjanjian Antarabangsa yang sah?

Secara khusus, Mahkamah juga perlu mengkaji sama ada proses pembuatan MA63 untuk memudahkan "integrasi" Borneo Utara (Sabah) dan Sarawak dengan Singapura ke dalam Persekutuan Malaya (kemudian dikenali sebagai Malaysia), adalah tidak konsisten dengan hak asasi rakyat untuk mencapai kemerdekaan pertama, seperti yang dijanjikan oleh UK pada tahun 1946.

Dan yang kedua, sama ada terma-terma Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 (MA63 jika sah) telah dipatuhi sepenuhnya. Dalam mencari penyelesaian yang adil dan tidak berat sebelah terhadap perkara ini, kami dengan hormat tidak bersetuju dengan cadangan bahawa isu ini harus diselesaikan oleh mahkamah Malaysia.

Mengambil kira sifat antarabangsa MA63, kami percaya adalah penting untuk membawa perkara ini ke Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ), mahkamah antarabangsa yang diiktiraf untuk menyelesaikan pertikaian antara negara. Seruan kami untuk tempat antarabangsa ini berpandukan kepada prinsip-prinsip berikut:

1. Kami berniat untuk mencari pemeriksaan menyeluruh tentang keabsahan dan kebolehtadbiran Perjanjian Malaysia 1963. Sebuah badan antarabangsa yang tidak berat sebelah seperti ICJ adalah sesuai untuk menilai sama ada MA63 telah ditubuhkan secara sah.

2. Kami berkomitmen untuk memastikan penilaian yang teliti sama ada semua pihak yang terlibat telah dengan setia mematuhi terma dan obligasi yang dinyatakan dalam MA63. Ini termasuk penilaian kepatuhan terhadap semangat dan teks perjanjian.

3. Kami mengakui kepentingan mempertahankan persepsi ketidakberatsebelahan dalam sebarang proses penyelesaian pertikaian. Forum antarabangsa seperti ICJ dapat membantu mengatasi kebimbangan tentang potensi kecenderungan dan menyumbang kepada penyelesaian yang lebih telus dan adil.

Dalam usaha kami mencari keadilan dan kejelasan mengenai kedudukan Sabah dan Sarawak, kami percaya bahawa merujuk kepada ICJ adalah langkah yang bertanggungjawab dan membina ke hadapan. Kami berharap semua pihak yang terlibat akan menyokong usaha ini ketika kami mencari penyelesaian yang adil dan diiktiraf di peringkat antarabangsa.

Terima kasih.

USLA hulur tangan kerjasama dengan NGO Lotud lain, kata Raymond

TUARAN: The United Sabah Lotud Association (USLA) is open to working with other Lotud associations for the sake of Lotud progress.

In his speech at USA’S first annual general meeting n Saturday, its founding president, Raymond Tombung, said that the association strongly objects to the accusations by some quarters here that USLA was formed to break up Lotud unity. 

“USLA was formed and registered in 1988, that was 35 years ago, long before other Lotud bodies were created,” he said. “Unfortunately, it was deregistered for some reasons. Now that we have revived USLA we are set to launch activities to help unte and develop the Lotuds in whatever ways we can afford.”

He said that USLA should be seen as an alternative channel for Lotuds to serve their community. “There is no intention to compete with other Lotud associations,” he assured. “In fact we have already started co-operating with other Lotud bodies, including the Sabah Suang Lotud Association (PSLS) and with the Unted Sabah Dusun Association (USDA), in the efforts to repair and maintain the Lotud’s Adat Centre Adat in Kg. Selupoh, Tuaran.” The Adat Centre was built with allocation by the state government during the PBS rule.

In the first AGM on Saturday the members decided not to hold any contest for posts until the Registrar of Societies approves the proposed constitutional amendments that were passed in the AGM. The amendments will allow for USLA’s present committee membership to increase from the present 9 to seventeen. 

“I am thankful that the reception to USLA has been very encouraging with new membership applications still coming in after our registration less than two months ago,” Raymond said. “We look forward to being active with sufficient funding and increasing our membership within the next few months .”#

………………………………………………………………

*USLA bersikap terbuka untuk bekerjasama dengan pertubuhan Lotud yang lain: Raymond*

TUARAN: Persatuan Lotud Bersatu Sabah (USLA) terbuka untuk bekerjasama dengan pertubuhan Lotud lain demi kemajuan komuniti Lotud. 

Dalam ucapan beliau semasa mesyuarat agung pertama USLA pada hari Sabtu di sini, Presiden pengasasnya, Raymond Tombung, menyatakan bahawa persatuan tersebut sangat menolak dakwaan beberapa pihak di sini bahawa USLA ditubuhkan untuk memecahkan perpaduan Lotud.

"USLA ditubuhkan dan didaftarkan pada tahun 1988, iaitu 35 tahun yang lalu, lama sebelum badan-badan Lotud lain ditubuhkan," katanya. "Malangnya, ia telah dibatalkan pendaftarannya atas beberapa sebab. Sekarang setelah kami berjaya menghidupkan semula USLA, kami bersedia untuk melancarkan aktiviti-aktiviti untuk membantu dan membangunkan komuniti Lotud setakat yang kami mampu." 

Beliau berkata USLA sepatutnya dilihat sebagai saluran alternatif bagi Lotud untuk berkhidmat kepada komuniti mereka. "Kami tiada niat untuk bersaing dengan pertubuhan Lotud lain," katanya memberi jaminan. "Sebenarnya, kami telah memulakan kerjasama dengan badan-badan Lotud lain, termasuk dengan Persatuan Suang Lotud Sabah (PSLS) dan dengan Persatuan Dusun Sabah Bersatu (USDA), dalam usaha membaiki dan menyelenggara Balai Adat Lotud di Kg. Selupoh, Tuaran." Pusat Adat tersebut dibina dengan peruntukan oleh kerajaan negeri semasa pemerintahan PBS. 

Dalam mesyuarat agung pertama pada hari Sabtu, ahli-ahli memutuskan untuk tidak mengadakan pertandingan untuk jawatan-jawatan sehingga Pendaftar Pertubuhan meluluskan pindaan perlembagaan yang telah dicadang dan diluluskan dalam mesyuarat agung tersebut. Pindaan-pindaan tersebut akan membolehkan keahlian jawatankuasa USLA ditingkatkan dari sembilan sekarang kepada tujuh belas orang. 

"Saya bersyukur kerana sambutan terhadap USLA sangat memberangsangkan dengan permohonan keahlian baru masih terus masuk selepas pendaftaran kami kurang dari dua bulan yang lalu," kata Raymond. "Kami berharap untuk aktif dengan dana yang mencukupi dan meningkatkan keahlian kami dalam beberapa bulan yang akan datang."#