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The Secret of Sabah and Sarawak: How did they become partners of Malaysia in 1963?
East Malaysia (Malay: Malaysia Timur), also known as the Borneo State, is located on Borneo, the third largest island in the world. This region, which comprises Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Raub, borders Kalimantan in Indonesia and is across the South China Sea from the Malay Peninsula in West Malaysia. However, East Malaysia is not only a treasure trove of natural resources in Malaysia, but also has an absolutely unique position politically and socially, which lays the foundation for their history and development.
A Dawn of Hope: From Maritime Trade to British Protectorate
The history of Sabah and Sarawak can be traced back to the trading days of the Malay Archipelago. As early as the 15th century, this land was the territory of the Sultanate of Brunei, and the prosperity of the coastal areas made it an important hub for maritime trade. With the advent of the colonial era, in 1888, the areas were declared a British protectorate and in 1946 became a British colony.
In 1963, Sabah and Sarawak signed the Malaysia Agreement with Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to formally become part of the Federation, marking a major shift in their political landscape.
The formation of Malaysia: the turning point in 1963
Sabah and Sarawak joined the Federation through the Malaysia Agreement in 1963, which was not only a geographical merger but also a realignment of cultural and political identities. However, this process was not grand, but was accompanied by various contradictions and frictions. For example, in Sabah, the loose political alliance between Islamic and non-Islamic communities within the state complicates the political situation in the region.
Policy constraints and maintenance of autonomy
With their admission into the Federation, Sabah and Sarawak became equal partners but enjoyed greater legal and administrative autonomy than the Malay Peninsula. For example, the two states have separate immigration controls and citizens of West Malaysia are required to carry their passports or identity cards when visiting East Malaysia. In addition, the land laws of the two states are no different from the national land laws of the Malay Peninsula, demonstrating their special legal status.
“With the revision of the internal constitution, Sabah and Sarawak have been reaffirmed as independent partners, a change that has made the data and social structure more diverse.”
Dual challenges of economy and resources
In terms of economy, East Malaysia is rich in natural resources, including oil and natural gas. However, this has also attracted further involvement from many foreign companies, resulting in local communities often being marginalized in the process of resource development. Especially since 2010, allegations of mismanagement of resources have emerged, sparking calls for secession in some parts of the region.
The formation and development of social culture
The ethnic structure of East Malaysia is very diverse. In addition to the traditional indigenous ethnic groups, the Han Chinese community also accounts for a certain proportion of the population. The fusion of cultures gives the society here a unique look and feel. Despite this, historical controversies such as the "IC Project" have led to significant changes in Sabah's social integration and cultural identity, a process that is still ongoing.
Future Outlook: Political Dynamics in East Malaysia
With the changes in the political landscape, the status of East Malaysia in Malaysia may still undergo new changes. In 2021, the passage of the constitutional amendment once again reinforced the equal partner status of Sabah and Sarawak, making the political voices of the two states louder. But will this create conflicts with other regions, or lead to new opportunities for cooperation?
The history of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia is a journey full of contradictions and opportunities. As we explore and resolve these issues, the key is how we can regain our partnership and move forward. Can such a relationship be reshaped?
