Melbourne, 13 September 2025: The Borneo Rising Summit: Sabah Sarawak Independence Conference, organised by the Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ) and the Republic of Sabah North Borneo (RSNB), brought together about 50 Sabahans to reaffirm their commitment to independence and justice for Sabah and Sarawak.
The hybrid event, broadcast via Facebook pages of RSNB, SSRANZ, and Mosses Paul Anap, experienced some technical difficulties but concluded successfully, followed by a peaceful demonstration outside the venue.
The conference featured several prominent speakers:
Robert Pei, President of SSRANZ, presented a critical analysis of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), describing it as a legal nullity.
“The Malaysia Agreement 1963 — MA63 — was not a valid foundation for a new federation. It was unenforceable, void from the very start, and in breach of international decolonisation law. Time does not legitimise fraud. The unfinished decolonisation of Sabah and Sarawak is a live issue today, and the United Nations must act to correct this historic injustice.”
Mosses Paul Anap, President of RSNB, delivered a keynote speech calling for unity and determination:
“Independence is not a fantasy. Independence is not a crime. Independence is a right. The Malaysia Agreement of 1963 violated the very principles of international law and decolonisation. We are here not to despair, but to proclaim hope and aspiration — that together, Sabah and Sarawak will rise.”
Voon Lee Shan, President of Parti Bumi Kenyalang, shared the struggles faced by Sabah and Sarawak under Malaysian rule, highlighting decades of political interference, erosion of autonomy, and economic exploitation. He stressed that these injustices prove the federation was never one of equals, but rather an extension of colonial domination.
Andrew Ambrose, an advocate for indigenous rights, addressed the importance of self-determination:
“The right to self-determination is not just a political concept, it is the cornerstone of democratic rights for indigenous peoples. For Sabah, this right safeguards not only freedom and independence but also the well-being of our people, our culture, and our land.”
Emily Edward focused her speech on the International Criminal Court (ICC) case on crimes against humanity in Sabah, Borneo, presenting evidence of human rights violations, systemic oppression, and policies of demographic engineering that have impacted the indigenous population. She emphasised that international mechanisms must be pursued to hold perpetrators accountable.
The conference highlighted the shared history and continuing challenges of Sabah and Sarawak, underlining the urgent need for international recognition of their right to independence. The role of the diaspora was also emphasised as crucial in carrying the struggle beyond national borders.
The summit concluded with a peaceful demonstration, symbolising the unity and resolve of participants to pursue justice through legal, diplomatic, and non-violent means.
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