KOTA KINABALU: Overseas activist groups raising grievances over Borneo state rights should engage through official channels rather than public demonstrations, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
Mustapha, who oversees Sabah and Sarawak affairs in the Prime Minister's Department of Malaysia, said the government remains open to direct dialogue as negotiations under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) continue.
"As the minister responsible, I see no problem with us discussing these matters through official channels," he told reporters after officiating the Aku Kasih Malaysia programme in Sepanggar on Saturday (Oct 10).
He was responding to a question about an overseas movement and an invitation to demonstrate outside the Parliament of Victoria in Australia.
Sabah Sarawak Keluar Malaysia (SSKM) has announced a peaceful demonstration at the Melbourne venue on Oct 24, from 11am to 2pm local time.
According to its announcement, the gathering aims to provide a platform for participants to express views on rights, justice and the future of the peoples of Borneo.
SSKM began as a Facebook movement in 2011 advocating Sabah and Sarawak's separation from Malaysia and was founded by UK-based Sabahan activist Doris Jones.
Mustapha said he had been following such groups and acknowledged that some of those involved were Sabahans.
"If there is room for engagement with these groups, that would be better. Perhaps there is information that has not reached them," he said.
"Give the government room to resolve these matters. We can discuss and address the issues they are unhappy about."
Mustapha said Malaysia was a legacy handed down by earlier leaders, including Tun Mustapha Harun and Tun Fuad Stephens, and should be preserved.
He acknowledged that while some conditions relating to the formation of Malaysia had been implemented, others remained under negotiation.
He maintained that the Madani government was listening to Sabah and Sarawak's concerns and that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was committed to implementing MA63.
"As long as official discussions are progressing well, I do not think we should be influenced by efforts outside those channels," he said.
Mustapha also stressed the need to strengthen national sovereignty, warning that divisions could leave the country vulnerable to outside interference and conflict.
SSKM's announcement said participants would be encouraged to maintain a peaceful and orderly atmosphere and comply with applicable Australian and Victorian laws and lawful directions.
