Autonomy, not secession, may be Sarawak’s only way forward

But Sarawakians must be told secession is not possible simply because the laws of the country do not allow it. Even discussing it is illegal, let alone promoting it.

Jimmy Adit, The Ant Daily

Do Sarawakians have any reason to secede from Malaysia?

Tourism Minister Abang Johari Openg says none whatsoever – not when Malaysia is “very capable of taking care of Sarawakians”, who will “continue to prosper” within the federation.

Malaysia, he says, has given us “all that we need, including security and development”.

When a government minister makes a public pronouncement, what can we expect? Exaggeration and overstatement, of course, especially when it comes to a subject as touchy – to Putrajaya – as secession.

And Abang Johari is just another minister and he speaks like one, as if he didn’t know that even his boss, Chief Minister Adenan Satem, has not stopped reminding the federal government that rural Sarawak is still 50 years behind time, that too many roads and bridges have yet to be built, that school infrastructure is lacking, that we need the 20 per cent oil and gas royalty because we badly need to catch up with the rest of the nation.

What Sarawak doesn’t have today can only mean Malaysia has not given us “all that we need”.

Abang Johari’s contention that Sarawakians will “continue to prosper” under the federation is misplaced simply because this state has not yet prospered in the way Malaya has.

Judging from the Sarawak Socio-Economic Transformation Plan (SETP), which the state government has just laid out, it is clear we are struggling to be on par with the rest of Malaysia.

Adenan even calls it the “catch-up” plan.

So, do we have any reason to secede from Malaysia?

Of course! We have many reasons, economic, social and political, especially political.

But Sarawakians must be told secession is not possible simply because the laws of the country do not allow it. Even discussing it is illegal, let alone promoting it. In this sense, it is indeed “stupid talk” to be talking about “getting out of Malaysia”.

Besides, secession will not solve problems now facing Sarawak. For all we know, it could cause us more problems, especially in the early years. We only have to look at how some young nations celebrated their independence only to sink into despair and desperation in the months, even years, after the initial feel good feelings faded away as interests clashed.

Can anyone guarantee that the same would not happen to us?

But greater autonomy can help us solve some inherent and principle problems we are now facing – unequal distribution of wealth, political representation in Parliament, oil and gas revenues and the civil service.

Adenan has just formed a committee chaired by the Sarawak state secretary to facilitate discussion with the federal government on matters involving devolution of power.

The committee overlooks four sub-committees on constitutional rights; financial and funding; administration matters and development planning; and implementation.

The great thing about Malaysia is it has helped Sarawak to recognise her strengths and weaknesses. It has helped to unearth some great minds and talents amongst the people. It has seen the coming and passing of many great leaders, from whom much lesson has been learnt.

Over 50 years of learning and active participation, the federal government must admit Sarawak and Sarawakians aren’t what they were in the early years.

What Adenan’s government seeks today has been learnt from the years of uncovering what Sarawak needs to be an equal partner in the Federation of Malaysia.

We certainly have found our direction, Sarawakians should be going there together.

Secession is never an option. It just doesn’t arise.

In Adenan’s words: “It was Malaysia before, is Malaysia now and will be Malaysia forever.”