Umno perlu hormati MA63 dan kebebasan bersuara mengenainya

Oleh Daniel John Jambun, 26-9-2024

KOTA KINABALU : Kenyataan terbaru Ketua Penerangan UMNO Sabah, Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, yang menggesa pihak berkuasa mengambil tindakan terhadap individu yang menyokong pemisahan Sabah dari Malaysia dan melabelkan perbincangan tersebut sebagai hasutan, memerlukan respons yang berasaskan prinsip demokrasi dan menghormati kebebasan bersuara.

Pengibaran bendera Sabah dan Sarawak bukanlah seruan untuk pemisahan tetapi demonstrasi aman untuk meningkatkan kesedaran tentang penentuan nasib sendiri, hak yang wujud bagi negeri-negeri Borneo di bawah Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 (MA63).

Perjanjian bersejarah ini, yang menjadi asas pembentukan Malaysia, menjamin hak dan autonomi Sabah dan Sarawak serta mencerminkan prinsip kebebasan pilihan, asas utama mana-mana demokrasi.

Selama lebih lima dekad, rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak telah menghadapi pengabaian sistemik dan eksploitasi sumber, yang membawa kepada kemiskinan yang meluas.

Situasi ini diperburuk oleh pengeluaran kewarganegaraan yang kontroversial kepada pendatang haram dan kemasukan mereka dalam daftar pemilih, tindakan yang telah merosakkan fabrik demokrasi negeri. Amalan ini, yang banyak dikaitkan dengan pemerintahan UMNO, telah mengubah landskap demografi dan melanggar hak-hak penduduk MOMOGUN di Sabah.

Sebagai seorang pejuang demokrasi dan hak asasi manusia yang komited kepada keadilan sosial, saya menyeru pelaksanaan penuh dan setia MA63.

Perjanjian ini bukan sekadar dokumen sejarah tetapi bukti hidup kepada janji kesaksamaan, autonomi, dan hak untuk menentukan nasib sendiri. Prinsip-prinsip demokrasi yang digariskan dalam MA63 mesti ditegakkan untuk memastikan layanan adil dan kemakmuran semua rakyat Malaysia, terutamanya rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak.

NGO dan aktivis Wilayah Borneo akan terus memperjuangkan hak-hak ini melalui cara yang aman, mempromosikan dialog dan pemahaman, dengan harapan semua peruntukan MA63 dapat direalisasikan.

Hanya dengan menghormati proses demokrasi dan menghormati perjanjian yang membentuk negara kita, kita dapat membina Malaysia yang benar-benar inklusif dan bersatu.

Daniel John Jambun ialah Presiden Yayasan Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia

Editor: Kenyataan beliau merujuk kepada satu majlis aktivis Sabah di Australia baru-baru ini yang menurunkan bendera Persekutuan Malaysia dan menaikkan bendera Sabah dan Sarawak.

The English version :

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/24/probe-seditious-talk-of-sabah-leaving-malaysia-says-umno-man

Press Statement

25th September 2024

Democracy and Freedom of Choice: Upholding the Spirit of MA63...

Kota Kinabalu: The recent statement by Sabah UMNO Information Chief, Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, urging authorities to take action against individuals advocating for Sabah’s exit from Malaysia, and labeling such discussions as seditious, requires a thoughtful response rooted in democratic principles and respect for freedom of expression.

The raising of Sabah and Sarawak flags is not a call for secession but a peaceful demonstration to raise awareness on self-determination,  an inherent right of the Borneo states under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 

This landmark agreement, which laid the foundation for the formation of Malaysia, enshrines the rights and autonomy of Sabah and Sarawak and reflects the principle of freedom of choice—a cornerstone of any democracy

For over five decades, the people of Sabah and Sarawak have faced systemic neglect and resource exploitation, leading to widespread impoverishment.

This situation is exacerbated by the controversial issuance of citizenships to illegal immigrants and their inclusion in the electoral rolls, actions that have undermined the democratic fabric of the state. Such practices, widely attributed to UMNO’s rule, have distorted the demographic landscape and infringed on the rights of the MOMOGUN population in Sabah 

As a democracy and human rights advocate committed to social justice, I call for the full and faithful implementation of MA63. 

This agreement is not merely a historical document but a living testament to the promise of equality, autonomy, and the right to self-determination. The democratic principles outlined in MA63 must be upheld to ensure the fair treatment and prosperity of all Malaysians, particularly the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

The Borneo Territory NGOs and activists will continue to champion these rights through peaceful means, promoting dialogue and understanding, in the hope that all provisions of MA63 are realized. 

It is only through respecting the democratic process and honouring the agreements that formed our nation that we can build a truly inclusive and united Malaysia.

Daniel John Jambun

President, Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation

World Cleanup Day di Kanul Point, stesen joging komuniti

20-9-2024

KOTA BELUD : World Cleanup Day yang mula disambut sebagai hari rasmi Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) setiap 20hb September tahun ini turut diadakan di Kota Belud.

Kanul Point, stesen joging komuniti di Kelawat dekat sini hari ini menjadi hos kepada kumpulan kecil lapan orang sekeluarga Gindol yang menjalankan pengutipan sisa sampah sekitar laluan joging terbabit.

Program ringkas namun cukup berimpak itu diketuai aktivis Sabah, Dr Kanul Gindol, yang turut mengutip sampah di kiri kanan jalan lama Kelawat yang kini menjadi laluan joging, berbasikal dan berjalan oleh para pencinta alam.

"Tahun ini kita hanya lapan orang, tapi pada masa hadapan World Cleanup Day pasti akan melibatkan lebih ramai orang dan disambut di banyak tempat," katanya selepas program 45 minit itu tamat.

Berikut gambar-gambar di program ringkas itu yang membawa maksudnya tersendiri :#

Kaum wanita tubuhkan Persatuan Kebajikan Semangat Kasih Kota Belud

20-9-2024

KOTA BELUD: Ketika dunia semakin dilanda perang dan pelbagai krisis kebencian, sekumpulan wanita Kota Belud menerajui penubuhan Persatuan Kebajikan Semangat Kasih Kota Belud (PKSKKB) yang komited memperkukuh kesejahteraan sesama insan.

PKSKKB yang masa ini dianggotai 45 orang ahli, akan melaksana program-program kebajikan yang memfokus kepada penanaman semangat kasih sayang, keprihatinan dan kepedulian terhadap kesejahteraan masyarakat setempat.

"Persatuan ini juga berhasrat untuk membangunkan komuniti melalui usaha kolektif yang mengutamakan kesepaduan antara ahli persatuan dan masyarakat umum," kata jurucakap persatuan itu, Priskila Akwila Senin.

      Peguam muda Priskila Akwila Senin

Mesyuarat Agung Kali Pertama PKSKKB Tahun 2024 diadakan pada Khamis (19-9-2024) di Dewan Skyblue, Pejabat ADUN Kadamaian dekat sini.

Pemimpin Pembangunan Masyarakat (PPM) Kadamaian, Saikom Watis, yang juga merupakan Penaung Persatuan merasmikan mesyuarat agung itu.

Antara yang hadir ialah Pengerusi PKSKKB, Caroline Carol Doruan, Ketua Pemuda Pertubuhan Kinabalu Progresif Bersatu (UPKO) Kota Belud, Jolyhame Saran, Pengerusi Kelab Permotoran Siou Otolikudan Borneo, Mujin Soborong, Penasihat PKSKKB, Lelyvia Mavid, Penolong Pengerusi PKSKKB, Priskila Akwila Senim, dan Justina Satimooi dari Unit Pemimpin Pembangunan Masyarakat (UPPM) DUN Moyog.

Dalam mesyuarat tersebut, matlamat persatuan telah diperincikan kepada semua ahli, yang antara lainnya adalah untuk menjaga kebajikan ahli, memperkukuhkan jaringan kerjasama dengan pelbagai agensi kerajaan, badan bukan kerajaan (NGO), serta individu-individu yang berpengaruh dalam usaha memperkasa masyarakat.

PKSKKB juga bertekad untuk menganjurkan pelbagai program pembangunan yang memberi manfaat kepada masyarakat. Ini termasuk penyaluran bantuan dalam pelbagai bentuk dan mewujudkan jaringan persatuan yang lebih erat dengan masyarakat, sekaligus memupuk budaya saling membantu dan prihatin.

Pengisian program mesyuarat termasuk ucapan alu-aluan oleh Pengerusi Persatuan, Caroline Carol Doruan, selain ucapan perasmian oleh Saikom. Sesi soal jawab yang dikendalikan Penolong Pengerusi, Priskila turut memberikan peluang kepada ahli untuk memberikan cadangan dan pandangan terhadap arah tuju persatuan.

Penasihat PKSKKB, Lelyvia Mavid, turut menyuarakan harapan beliau agar persatuan ini akan menjadi platform yang berdaya maju dalam membawa perubahan positif kepada masyarakat.

“Saya melihat PKSKKB sebagai sebuah NGO yang berpotensi besar untuk membawa kebaikan dan manfaat kepada masyarakat. Harapan saya adalah agar semua ahli dapat memberikan komitmen sepenuhnya dalam setiap aktiviti yang dianjurkan, demi mengangkat nilai-nilai kemanusiaan yang murni,” kata Lelyvia.

Berkenaan dengan perancangan masa hadapan PKSKKB, Lelyvia berkata persatuan akan terus menganjurkan program-program ilmu yang bertujuan meningkatkan sosioekonomi masyarakat.

"PKSKKB merancang untuk menganjurkan program-program ilmu yang mampu meningkatkan taraf ekonomi masyarakat setempat serta mengenal pasti individu-individu yang memerlukan bantuan khusus. 

"Kami juga merancang untuk mengadakan majlis makan amal pertama persatuan, bagi mengumpul dana untuk melaksanakan program-program kebajikan pada masa akan datang," katanya lagi.

Dengan visi yang jelas dan usaha gigih semua ahli, PKSKKB berhasrat untuk terus memainkan peranan yang signifikan dalam membawa perubahan dan meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat khususnya di daerah Kota Belud.#

End 61 Years of Humiliation in Malaysia, says Robert Pei

Malaysia was born in conflict, not consensus

[Full text of the speech by Robert Pei, President SSRANZ, Melbourne Rally, 15 Sept 2024]

FELLOW Citizens of Sabah and Sarawak,

Today, we gather to mark 61 years since a very dark chapter began in our history—the British-aided Malayan takeover of our lands through the invalid Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) on 16 September 1963. This moment calls for the end of six decades of humiliation in Malaysia.

What was promised as a partnership of equals—based on autonomy, equality, prosperity, and respect—has instead become a vehicle for racial, religious oppression and exploitation. For 61 years, Sabah and Sarawak have been subjected to relentless marginalisation. From the premature proclamation of Malaysia in 1963 to 2011, our lands were ruled under emergency laws, which enabled the federation to impose repressive policies, betraying the interests of our people. This was all while Sabah and Sarawak’s vast resources were plundered to enrich their ruling elites and develop the peninsula, leaving us the poorest parts of the federation.

The Struggle for Independence Revived

In the past 13 years, the independence movements in Sabah and Sarawak have gained renewed momentum, challenging the legitimacy of Malaysia's rule over our territories. The ruling elites in Peninsula Malaysia or Malaya, along with local leaders, have been forced to react to our demands. But their reluctant and grudging attempts to address our grievances by selectively implementing parts of the MA63—after 50 years of neglect—are not enough. The most recent examples are the federal government stalling over the Sabah claim to its MA63 entitlement to 40% revenue collected from Sabah and the Sarawak claim on petroleum rights.

The following points are made on how Malaysia was created on 16 Sept 1963 as a de facto federation under a state of emergency and an invalid international agreement. 

Malaysia: Born in Conflict, Not Consensus

1. Malaysia Was a Neo-Colonial Creation

Malaysia was not formed through genuine self-determination or informed consent. Instead, it was a “neo-colonial creation,” designed by Britain to preserve its strategic interests and maintain control over the S.E Asian region during the Cold War. On 27 May 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman the Malayan Prime Minister announced the British-Malayan proposal to merge Singapore, Brunei, North Borneo (Sabah), and Sarawak with Malaya and to be renamed Malaysia. The 2 governments had negotiated secretly since 1958 without the prior consultation of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, who were still under British rule.

The urgency to form Malaysia intensified in 1960, with the United Nations call for the decolonization of all colonies. The British colonial government reneged on its promise to give Sabah and Sarawak independence when it annexed them as crown colonies in 1946. They replaced this with the Malaysia federation plan with so-called guaranteed rights to induce the people to give up real independence. Thus our people were denied true independence. The Malaysia Agreement, signed on 9 July 1963 by persons handpicked by the British, was never valid under international law. Colonies cannot make binding agreements with their colonial rulers, and both Sabah and Sarawak were still under colonial rule until 16 Sept 1963.

Malaysia was created without our free and voluntary consent, denying us the right to self-determination. This invalid agreement, like the one imposed on the Chagos Islands, was a violation of international legal principles. Yet, it was forced upon us by Britain and Malaya.

2. Proclaimed Under a State of Emergency

The formation of Malaysia was accomplished hastily under coercive conditions. Following the Brunei Uprising against Malaysia on 8 December 1962, the Malayan Prime Minister declared that Malaysia would be formed, despite a state of emergency. 

From 1961 to 1963, widespread opposition in Brunei and Sarawak was brutally suppressed. The Brunei Uprising was a clear sign that the people of this region did not support the federation. Thousands of voices were silenced or imprisoned. In Singapore, opposition leaders were arrested and detained in collusion with the British and Malayan governments. Brunei wisely outright rejected Malaysia and refused to sign MA63 at the last minute opting to choose independence.

Owing to local and international opposition to Malaysia, the Malayan government made the Manila Accord with the Indonesian and Philippines governments on 31 July 1963 22 days after MA63 was signed, agreeing to the UN assessment of the people's will and resolution of the Philippines claim of a part of Sabah. This agreement effectively acknowledged that the process in making MA63 including the Cobbold Commission to survey the people’s views on Malaysia was flawed and questionable.

On 28 August, 1963 the 2 governments fixed the 16 September 1963 to formally proclaim Malaysia pre-empting the UN assessment of the people’s wishes was complete, and failure to resolve the Philippines claim on a part of Sabah violating terms of the Manila Accord. The British and Malayan governments denied us a proper referendum, just as they had done with the flawed Cobbold Commission process. This premature formation of Malaysia has left lasting instability, as shown by the Philippines' unresolved territorial claim over Sabah, which led to the 2013 armed invasion by men from Sulu.

The Exploitation of Sabah and Sarawak

3. Exploitation and Oppression  

The first Malaysian Prime Minister claimed that one of Malaysia’s main goal was to develop Sabah and Sarawak. Yet, since the formation, our lands have been stripped of their wealth—oil, gas, and timber extracted to benefit Malaya, while we remain underdeveloped. Sabah and Sarawak have been treated as colonies, with our resources exploited to enrich elites in Kuala Lumpur and their local collaborators.

4. Failure of a Secular and Pluralistic Federation

Malaysia was supposed to be a secular, pluralistic federation, as promised under MA63. However, these promises were broken. What we now see is a system of racial and religious supremacy—an oppressive apartheid-like structure in place of the equality that was once guaranteed. The diversity of Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaya is marginalised, and most of the rights promised under MA63 have been systematically eroded.

The Right to Independence

5. Our Right to Exit  

After 61 years of exploitation and oppression, the time has come to assert our right to exit this failed federation. Under international law, we are not bound by an agreement that was invalid from the start, repeatedly violated, and imposed upon us through coercion. This was the principle of legal capacity, affirmed by the International Court of Justice in the 2019 Chagos Island case. At the same time the ICJ confirmed that the right to self-determination was a legal recognised by UN Resolution 1514. 

Sabah and Sarawak have the inalienable right to self-determination. We deserve true independence, the right to control our own resources, and a future where our rights are fully respected.

Fellow citizens, we cannot continue to accept this humiliation. Let today be the day we reclaim our right to independence and demand justice, freedom, and the end of 61 years of betrayal.

Thank you.  

Robert Pei

President Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand

15 September 2024#

Memaksakan agama bakal undang perpecahan, pergaduhan, kata aktivis Borneo

Kenyataan Bersama lima aktivis Borneo, 16-9-2024

DALAM beberapa waktu kebelakangan ini, media sosial dibanjiri dengan perbincangan mengenai sijil halal, hijab, dan peranan JAKIM (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia). Perdebatan ini sering memecah belah pendapat masyarakat, mencipta perpecahan daripada pemahaman. Adalah penting untuk diakui bahawa kebenaran sering terletak di tengah-tengah, di mana dialog dan penghormatan terhadap kepercayaan individu dapat berkembang.

1. Rangka Kerja Undang-Undang dan Pilihan Peribadi

Sistem perundangan, khususnya mahkamah, tidak seharusnya menuntut bidang kuasa terhadap isu halal, haram, hijab, atau JAKIM melainkan terdapat bukti yang jelas mengenai penyalahgunaan kuasa. Isu-isu ini berakar dalam budi bicara dan kepercayaan peribadi, bukan undang-undang yang tertulis. Memaksakan peraturan tanpa asas undang-undang melemahkan konsep kuasa budi bicara dan mencabul kebebasan individu.

2. Ruang Peribadi vs Ruang Awam: Satu Perbezaan Asas

Di tengah-tengah perdebatan ini terletak perbezaan penting antara ruang peribadi dan ruang awam. Kerajaan tidak mempunyai hak untuk mengawal urusan peribadi yang berada dalam ruang kehidupan individu. Menggunakan kuasa budi bicara dan prerogatif ke atas pilihan individu merupakan satu bentuk penyalahgunaan kuasa. Walaupun ada preseden undang-undang di negara Komanwel mengenai isu ini, terdapat jurang yang ketara (lacuna) dalam undang-undang Malaysia, menyebabkan banyak isu yang tidak diselesaikan.

Contoh penting ialah kes Allah, di mana keputusan Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia untuk mengehadkan penggunaan perkataan "Allah" dalam cetakan bahasa Melayu oleh orang Kristian didasarkan pada salah tafsir terhadap undang-undang India. Nasihat seterusnya untuk penyelesaian di luar mahkamah dalam kes Jill Ireland diabaikan oleh Kementerian Dalam Negeri, walaupun Mahkamah Tinggi telah memutuskan memihak kepada beliau. Kes-kes seperti ini menunjukkan bahawa banyak isu di Malaysia bukan semata-mata tentang agama; sebaliknya ia telah diselewengkan oleh agenda politik. Apabila hal agama dipolitikkan, ia memerlukan penyelesaian politik, bukan pertempuran undang-undang.

3. Sabah dan Sarawak: Contoh Perpaduan

Di negeri Borneo, Sabah dan Sarawak, masyarakat berbilang agama hidup dalam harmoni, sering berkongsi makanan dan meraikan perbezaan budaya. Fikiran bahawa perniagaan bukan Muslim yang tidak menyajikan daging babi perlu memohon sijil halal adalah tidak masuk akal di negeri-negeri ini. Penglibatan Jakim dalam pelbagai jabatan kerajaan untuk pengawasan agama kelihatan tidak diperlukan dan melanggar batasan antara ruang awam dan ruang peribadi.

4. Mempertahankan Kebebasan Peribadi dan Pilihan Agama

Isu seperti sijil halal, hijab, dan orientasi seksual adalah mengenai pilihan peribadi. Isu-isu ini tidak sepatutnya dikawal oleh kerajaan, Parlimen, atau institusi agama. Sama seperti tiada undang-undang yang mewajibkan pemakaian hijab atau kod berpakaian dalam ruang peribadi, individu juga bebas untuk membuat pilihan peribadi tentang apa yang ingin dimakan dan bagaimana mengekspresikan kepercayaan mereka.

Percubaan untuk memaksakan peraturan ke atas hal peribadi melanggar kebebasan individu. Sebagai contoh, figura awam seperti Teresa Kok telah menghadapi gangguan yang tidak wajar mengenai sijil halal untuk restoran yang tidak menyajikan daging babi atau alkohol. Begitu juga, orientasi seksual adalah perkara peribadi yang harus kekal bebas dari campur tangan kerajaan.

5. Agama sebagai Pemangkin Keamanan

Apabila pertikaian timbul antara pihak yang bertentangan, menggunakan agama sering kali hanya memburukkan keadaan. Islam, seperti semua agama, secara asasnya mempromosikan keamanan, penghormatan, dan kasih sayang, bukannya kawalan atau penindasan. Kedaulatan undang-undang, yang berasaskan Perlembagaan, mesti diutamakan dalam mengatur hubungan manusia dan menyelesaikan konflik. Banyak isu boleh diselesaikan melalui dialog atau cara politik yang lain, bukannya melalui konfrontasi undang-undang.

6. Menjelaskan Sifat Undang-Undang Islam

Adalah penting untuk dijelaskan bahawa Islam bukan sinonim dengan undang-undang. Syariah, seperti amalan agama lain, berdasarkan pilihan peribadi dan kesediaan untuk menerima prinsipnya. Ia akan menjadi tidak berperlembagaan untuk memaksakan undang-undang Syariah ke atas individu yang tidak mengikutinya. Dalam masyarakat sekular dan majmuk, undang-undang mesti berasaskan akal budi, nilai-nilai sejagat, dan prinsip keadilan semula jadi, bukan semata-mata doktrin agama.

Di Malaysia, terdapat keperluan mendesak untuk Tafsir (penafsiran) terhadap teks agama untuk mempromosikan pemikiran progresif. Allahyarham Kassim Ahmad, seorang pemikir Islam yang terkenal, telah memperjuangkan kajian semula terhadap Al-Quran tetapi menerima tentangan hebat terhadap ideanya. Visi beliau tentang pemikiran Islam yang progresif masih belum direalisasikan, menunjukkan cabaran dalam mentafsirkan semula agama dalam zaman kontemporari.

7. Tujuan Sebenar Agama

Agama, dalam erti kata sebenar, bertujuan untuk memupuk kasih sayang, keamanan, dan keharmonian dalam kalangan manusia. Agama sepatutnya menjadi panduan untuk membantu individu menghormati satu sama lain, tanpa mengira perbezaan kepercayaan dan budaya. Apabila digunakan sebagai senjata politik, agama mencipta kekacauan, perpecahan, dan ketidakadilan. Ajaran semua agama menekankan belas kasihan, toleransi, dan persefahaman. Semangat inilah yang seharusnya memandu masyarakat kita dan tadbir urus, bukannya menggunakan agama untuk menindas atau memajukan agenda politik.

Marilah kita bersama-sama memastikan bahawa agama kekal sebagai sumber perpaduan dan penghormatan, bukan alat untuk kawalan dan perpecahan.

Daniel John Jambun

Presiden, Yayasan Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia

Peter John Jaban 

Ketua Publisiti dan Maklumat, Persatuan Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (SAPA)

Dr Kanul Gindol

Pengerusi, Inisiatif Gindol untuk Masyarakat Madani Borneo

Moses Anap  

Presiden, Republik Sabah North Borneo (RSNB)

Jovilis Majami

Presiden, Persatuan Pembangunan Sosial Komuniti Sabah (BANGUN)

The english version :

https://www.cpiasia.org/index.php/268-e-media/2688-take-heed-of-borneo-region-concerns-and-voices-on-state-and-religion

PRESS STATEMENT

16th September 2024

The Role of Religion in Creating Peace, Not Political Chaos...

In recent times, social media has been inundated with discussions surrounding halal certification, hijab, and the role of JAKIM (the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia). These debates have often polarized public opinion, leading to division rather than understanding. It is essential to recognize that the truth often lies in the middle ground, where dialogue and respect for personal beliefs can flourish.

1. The Legal Framework and Personal Choice

The legal system, particularly the courts, should not claim jurisdiction over matters of halal, haram, hijab, or JAKIM unless there is clear evidence of abuse of power. These issues are deeply rooted in personal discretion and belief, rather than codified laws. Imposing regulations without a legal basis undermines the concept of discretionary power and infringes upon individual freedoms.

2. Private vs. Public Space: A Fundamental Distinction

At the heart of this debate lies the crucial distinction between private and public spaces. The government has no place in regulating personal matters that belong to private lives. Exercising prerogative and discretionary powers over individual choices constitutes an abuse of authority. While legal precedents exist in Commonwealth countries regarding these matters, a significant gap (lacuna) in Malaysian law leaves many issues unresolved.

A notable example is the Allah case, where the Malaysian Federal Court's decision to restrict the use of the word "Allah" among Christians in Malay print was based on a misinterpretation of Indian case law. The subsequent advice for an out-of-court settlement in the Jill Ireland case was ignored by the Home Ministry, despite the High Court ruling in her favor. Such cases illustrate that many issues in Malaysia are not purely about religion; they have become entangled with political agendas. When religious matters are politicized, they require political solutions, not legal battles.

3. A Model of Unity: Sabah and Sarawak

In the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak, people of diverse religious backgrounds coexist harmoniously, often sharing meals and celebrating cultural differences. The notion that non-Muslim businesses serving no pork should require halal certification is unthinkable in these regions. Jakim's involvement in various government departments for religious oversight appears unnecessary and encroaches upon the boundaries between public and private spheres.

4. Upholding Personal Freedom and Religious Choice

Issues such as halal certification, hijab, and sexual orientation belong to the realm of personal choices. These matters should not be regulated by the government, Parliament, or religious institutions. Just as there is no law mandating hijab or dress codes in private spaces, individuals should be free to make personal choices regarding what to eat and how to express their beliefs.

Attempts to impose such regulations on private matters infringe upon personal freedom. For instance, public figures like Teresa Kok have faced undue harassment over halal certification for restaurants that do not serve pork or alcohol. Similarly, sexual orientation is a personal matter that should remain private and free from governmental interference.

5. Religion as a Catalyst for Peace

When disputes arise between conflicting parties, invoking religion often complicates matters further. Islam, like all faiths, fundamentally promotes peace, respect, and love rather than control or suppression. The rule of law, grounded in the Constitution, must prevail in regulating human relationships and resolving conflicts. Many issues can often be settled through dialogue or other political means, rather than through legal confrontation.

6. Clarifying the Nature of Islamic Law

It is essential to clarify that Islam is not synonymous with law. **Shariah**, like other religious practices, is based on personal choice and the willingness to accept its principles. It would be unconstitutional to impose Shariah law on individuals who do not subscribe to it. In a secular and pluralistic society, law must be based on common sense, universal values, and the principles of natural justice, rather than religious doctrine alone.

In Malaysia, there is a pressing need for Tafsir (interpretation) of religious texts to promote progressive thought. The late Kassim Ahmad, a prominent Islamic thinker, advocated for revisiting the Quran in this manner but faced severe backlash for his ideas. His vision of progressive Islamic thought remains unrealized, highlighting the challenges of reinterpreting religion in contemporary times.

7. The True Purpose of Religion!

Religion, in its true essence, is meant to foster love, peace, and harmony among people. It should serve as a guide to help individuals respect one another, regardless of differing beliefs and cultures. When wielded as a political weapon, religion creates chaos, division, and injustice. The teachings of all religions emphasize compassion, tolerance, and understanding. It is this spirit that should guide our society and governance, rather than using religion to suppress others or advance political agendas.

Let us work together to ensure that religion remains a source of unity and respect, not a tool for control and division.

Daniel John Jambun

President, Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation

Peter John Jaban Publicity and information Chief Sarawak Association for People's Aspirations (SAPA)

Dr Kanul Gindol Chairman Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo 

Moses Anap President Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB)

Jovilis Majami President Persatuan Pembangunan Sosial Komuniti Sabah (BANGUN)