KOTA KINABALU, Nov 23 — Newly-minted Sabah Speaker Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali reminded state lawmakers today against uttering the word “secession” in their discussions while inside the legislative assembly.
He also warned them to tone down on autonomy discourse, saying he only wants to concentrate on matters beneficial to the state.
“I’m saying now. Do not use the word secession, and be sparing when talking about autonomy and devolution,” he said in his opening speech.
He said any talk on partial autonomy or devolution should focus on the state and stick to development funding, education and health matters.
“Also, under the points safeguards for Sabah in the Malaysia Agreement, it is clearly stated that Sabah had no right to secede,’’ said the Balung assemblyman, who was appointed as Speaker in August.
Syed Abas said that the secession ideology was growing at the large grassroot base of Sabah because of groups linked to the “Sabah Sarawak Keluar Malaysia’’ social media movement, which are spreading the group’s message.
“This is a toxic idea that should be monitored closely by government departments and agencies as well as village chiefs to ensure this does not grow,” he said.
Secession has been a hotly-debated topic in the state among politicians, the public and especially on social media since the Facebook group “Sabah Sarawak Keluar Malaysia” (SSKM) gained traction last year.
Previous state assembly sittings also saw politicians from both sides of the divide weighing in on the topic.
The SSKM group, led by UK-based activist Doris Jones, plays on local sentiments by raising issues on native land, oil royalty rights, racial and religious tension, as well as erosion of rights among other things.
Secession is considered treason in Malaysia and a warrant of arrest has been issued for Jones although police have admitted that they can only arrest her if she returns to Malaysia, as she cannot be extradited according to British laws.
