Unequal Partners : Race, Religion, Domination and Inequality In East Malaysia | 2023

Unequal Partners : Race, Religion, Domination and Inequality In East Malaysia | 2023

Malaysia urgently requires a fresh perspective and narrative to break free from 60 years of regressive policies and politics that have hindered its progress. The national conversation remains dominated by issues of race, religion, and identity politics. The solution to these divisive politics is unlikely to come from the peninsula. Instead, we must look to Sabah and Sarawak, where a history of racial harmony and religious tolerance offers new perspectives, direction, and leadership. The concept of ketuanan Melayu and the supremacy of one race or religion is alien to the people of Borneo. These narratives from West Malaysia have threatened the racial and religious harmony in East Malaysia. In Sabah and Sarawak, there is no single dominant race; all citizens are equal under the nation called Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak did not merely join Malaysia; they were equal partners in its formation. Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak together created this nation; without Sabah and Sarawak, there is no Malaysia. It is time for the federal government to recognize the significant contributions of Sabah and Sarawak, especially their oil resources, to the nation's wealth.