KOTA KINABALU, Thursday, 29 January 2026:
Malaysia’s education syllabus must reflect the full role of the Borneo states as co‑founders of Malaysia, including key constitutional documents and major historical events that shaped the nation.
Support is expressed for proposals by Datuk Ewon Benedick and other Borneo leaders to include the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Cobbold Commission Report and the Inter‑Governmental Committee (IGC) Report in the syllabus to ensure students understand the constitutional foundations and rights of the Borneo states within the Federation.
Our school textbooks need to revise the narrative so that Sabah and Sarawak “co-found” Malaysia with Malaya and Singapore in 1963, rather than being described as having “joined” it.
This aligns with broader efforts to correct long‑standing wording in textbooks that risks misunderstanding Malaysia’s formation.
Double Six air crash, Kinabalu Guerillas
Apart from these documents, the syllabus should also teach students the wider historical context and struggles of the Borneo states.
For Sabah, this includes the Jesselton Revolt (Kinabalu Guerrillas) from 1943-1944, self‑government achieved on 31 August 1963 (Sabah Day), and the Double Six Tragedy of 1976.
These documents and events are essential if the Borneo states are to be recognised as co‑founders of Malaysia, as there was no Malaysia to “join” before 16 September 1963, rather than being treated as subordinate appendages of Malaya.
The Ministry of Education is urged to update the syllabus comprehensively, ensuring that students learn the constitutional, historical and social contributions of the Borneo states.
Chin Vui Kai
Information Chief, Sabah Progressive Party