MALAYSIA is a federation and not a unitary state. Furthermore it is an asymmetrical federation in that Sabah and Sarawak have more devolved powers than the states of the peninsula. In fact, the peninsula states are almost a union where autonomy is rather restricted. For instance, while Sabah and Sarawak have cabinet ministers, the peninsula states have executive councillors. A borderlessness characterises the states of the peninsula where there is unrestricted movement between the states. Not so Sabah and Sarawak where even Malaysians of other states go through immigration controls. In short, independent Sabah and Sarawak opted to come together with the peninsula to form the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 on their terms; in Sarawaks case the 18-point Agreement intended to protect it from unwelcome encroachments by the central government. Despite this, in recent months, there has been a restlessness spearheaded by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the campaign œSarawak for Sarawakians or S4S as it is called in the social media, culminating in the Sarawak Freedom and Independence Walk, which took place two days ago. Reports speak of a crowd of some 8,000 gathering for the walk, far exceeding the organisers anticipated 3,000. However, the organisers insist that it was not intended to protest against the government. Rather it was to celebrate the anniversary of Sarawaks independence from the British. Nevertheless, there have been voices urging secession from the Federation, which point 7 of the Agreement forbids.
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