Kota Kinabalu: Sabah youths have voiced concerns over the proposed opening of an Indian Consulate in the state, citing security, state sovereignty, and Sabah’s constitutional rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Sepanggar Warisan Deputy Division Chief Norazmi Alimat said Sabah, as a founding partner of the Federation of Malaysia, enjoys special autonomy, including powers over immigration and state security.
He noted that Article 161E of the Federal Constitution requires the consent of the Sabah State Government for any decision affecting the rights, powers, or special position of the state.
“Engagement by the Sabah State Cabinet or State Legislative Assembly is therefore necessary.”
“While foreign affairs fall under federal jurisdiction, implementation of such policies within Sabah must respect the state’s constitutional safeguards,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Norazmi highlighted ongoing challenges in Sabah, including illegal immigration, security in Esszone areas, and social and economic pressures on local communities.
He said youths are concerned that decisions made without proper planning could affect employment, social security, and the future of the next generation.
He emphasised that the benefits of the consulate to Sabahans remain unclear, including local employment opportunities, actual investment impact, and safeguards against misuse of consular functions.
Norazmi called on the Federal and State Governments to disclose the scope, functions, and implications of the proposal, hold comprehensive public consultations including youths, and provide written assurances that Sabah’s autonomy, immigration powers, and security will not be compromised.
He also stressed that the concerns raised by Sabahans are legitimate within a democratic framework and grounded in law. Sabahans do not oppose international or diplomatic relations, but any major decision involving Sabah must be made with consultation, transparency, and the consent of the State Government, in line with Article 161E of the Federal Constitution and the spirit of MA63,” he said.
