08 / OUR FUTURE
A vision for what the people of Sabah and Sarawak could build after independence.
The purpose of independence
Independence is a beginning. Our goal is to build societies where government answers to the people, resources serve the public, and every community can live with dignity.
This is a proposed vision for public discussion. These goals require democratic consent, sound institutions, sustainable funding and a peaceful transition. Sabah and Sarawak should each determine their own political arrangements through an inclusive process.
Six ambitions
01
A democratic constitution shaped and approved by the people, with meaningful participation beyond election day.
Hold open consultations, publish constitutional proposals and protect peaceful disagreement and political competition.
02
Independent courts, transparent public spending and institutions able to investigate abuses of power.
Publish budgets and procurement decisions, require independent audits and establish enforceable accountability rules.
03
Responsible stewardship of land, forests, oil and gas, with benefits reaching communities and future generations.
Develop transparent revenue arrangements, environmental safeguards and fair benefit-sharing with affected communities.
04
Accessible healthcare, quality education, clean water, reliable electricity and safer roads, including in rural areas.
Cost the commitments, prioritise underserved areas and publish measurable service targets and progress.
05
Indigenous rights, customary land, cultural heritage and religious freedom, alongside equal dignity for every community.
Include communities in decisions affecting their land and livelihoods; build accessible ways to resolve rights disputes.
06
A diverse economy offering livelihoods, skills and enterprise, with constructive relationships across the region.
Support local businesses and training, develop trade links and pursue peaceful arrangements with neighbours.
Bring together rural and urban communities, Indigenous peoples, young people, women, minorities, the diaspora and people with disabilities. Record both support and disagreement.
Develop public proposals on institutions, citizenship, public finances, currency options, trade, security and continuity of essential services. Explain costs, trade-offs and unresolved questions.
Set realistic milestones, publish progress and let the public scrutinise results. Review policies when they fail to deliver.
A public conversation
Consider the services, opportunities or rights that affect daily life most directly. A credible programme begins with specific needs.
Consider the information the public should receive, the institutions that should remain independent and the remedies available when power is abused.
Participation should be accessible and respectful. Decisions about future political arrangements should reflect the freely expressed will of the people concerned.
SSKM AUSTRALIA
Help shape the conversation about our future.
