Revisiting the Social Contract: The Malaysia-Borneo Perspectives

Revisiting the Social Contract: The Malaysia-Borneo Perspectives

Joe Samad, a dedicated writer on contemporary Malaysian affairs, voices strong concerns about the country’s trajectory. While recognizing the pre-Merdeka "social contract," he raises two key issues. First, he criticizes how Peninsula politicians periodically manipulate the social contract to incite communal fears, hatred, and distrust among different races. Second, he argues that the pre-Merdeka social contract is less applicable to the Borneo States, which joined Malaysia in 1963 under negotiated terms prioritizing autonomy, revenue sharing, and the rights of indigenous communities. This often-overlooked "Borneo perspective" provides valuable insights into Malaysia’s historical, political, and economic landscape.

Although not explicitly stated, Samad suggests that a new "social contract" may have effectively been renegotiated in 1963 between the Peninsula and the Borneo States. Amendments to the Federal Constitution accommodated the Borneo States' demands for increased autonomy and revenue sharing. However, the results have fallen short of expectations, reflecting the inherent tensions seen in federal systems worldwide, including Malaysia.

Since 2018, there has been a positive shift, with the federal government acknowledging the constitutional legitimacy of many demands from Sabah and Sarawak, signaling possible policy changes. Samad highlights these evolving dynamics and advocates for dialogue to navigate Malaysia’s multicultural landscape and the challenge of building a unified national narrative.

Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi
Tunku Abdul Rahman Chair, Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya