KOTA KINABALU – Amid the revival of the Philippines’ renewed territorial claim over Sabah, the people of the state have unequivocally expressed their desire to remain a part of Malaysia.
In a survey conducted by Scoop, locals of various races and backgrounds were asked their opinions on the question, “Would you prefer to remain a Malaysian or become a Filipino?” The overwhelming response was clear: “Sabahans are Malaysians.”
Recently, United Sabah National Organisation president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia suggested drafting another memorandum to reaffirm the people’s opposition to any external claims. He expressed confidence that Sabahans would reject the idea of falling under the Philippine administration.
Aliza Alawi, 30, a resident of Sandakan on Sabah’s east coast and of mixed Bajau, Suluk, and Visaya heritage, emphasised her preference to remain Malaysian for political, economic, and social stability.
Despite speaking Visaya, a language common in the Philippines, Aliza highlighted the benefits Sabah has received from being a part of Malaysia.
“We have been well-supported in terms of education, health, and infrastructure. Staying a Malaysian is best for our future, but it is crucial that all Sabahan voices and opinions are heard,” she said.
Eddy, 52, another resident of mixed Filipino descent, shared Aliza’s sentiments.
However, he also voiced a preference for an independent Sabah, citing unmet promises from Malaya during the formation of Malaysia.
“I do not know anyone in the Philippines. My family is here in Sabah. I will never want to be Filipino,” he asserted.
Eddy added that the cultural differences between Sabah and the Philippines are significant, making a shift in identity impractical.
“We have embraced our identity as Malaysians our entire lives,” he said.
Abdullah Ukin, of the Bisaya indigenous race in Sabah, criticised the Philippines’ repeated territorial claims as irrational.
“It’s like trying to claim a very old debt. It’s illogical, and the Malaysian government is right to stand firm,” he said.
Patrick Mosinoh Jr, a Kadazan from Penampang, expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s administration but maintained that it is still preferable to be Malaysian rather than Filipino.
“I am not saying that the Philippines is very bad, it is just that they could not even administer their existing territories very well. I don’t think that they have the capability and capacity to manage and administer Sabah.
“Sabahans have not been very happy because of the obvious unfair treatment by the federal government, the imbalanced development between East and West Malaysia and so on, but we still prefer Malaysia to the Philippines,” he said.
Ho Ken Nyen, 30, echoed Patrick’s views, criticising the federal government for inadequate water, electricity, and road infrastructure in Sabah.
Despite these issues, he firmly rejected the idea of joining the Philippines, doubting the country’s ability to provide necessary development.
In February, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reported that around 770,000 Filipinos reside in Sabah, including 550,000 undocumented individuals. Despite a small community of mixed Filipino heritage in Sabah, most people born and raised there do not wish to become Filipinos. – July 15, 2024
