Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth has called on former federal law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim to issue a public apology following his recent viral video in which he allegedly described Sabah and Sarawak as a “burden” and suggested that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should be cancelled.
“We urge Datuk Zaid Ibrahim to issue an open apology to the people of Sarawak and Sabah immediately to defuse tensions and preserve public order,” the youth movement said in a statement today.
PBB Youth also expressed dissatisfaction with Zaid’s response to Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, saying the former minister refused to acknowledge that his remarks were offensive to East Malaysians.
“Instead, he arrogantly maintained that he was entitled to express such views,” the statement read. PBB Youth stressed that MA63 is a foundational document of the Malaysian federation and its terms must be honoured, not questioned.
The movement described calls to grant Sarawak and Sabah independence or remove them from Malaysia after 62 years as “extreme” and potentially “seditious,” urging authorities and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take action to safeguard public harmony.
“This includes investigating individuals who deliberately undermine Sarawak’s sovereignty, regardless of their status or position,” the statement added.
PBB Youth reminded the public to be responsible when commenting on issues related to Sarawak’s rights and special position, noting the sensitivity of these matters among the state’s people. While welcoming constructive discussion on the nation’s direction, the movement stressed it would not remain silent when Sarawak’s rights are openly challenged.
Earlier, Fazzrudin condemned Zaid’s remarks on his Facebook page, calling them offensive, baseless, and a threat to national harmony. He said Zaid had allegedly suggested that Sabah and Sarawak were a burden, proposed abolishing MA63, and claimed the Borneo territories should be granted independence.
“MA63 is not a political plaything. It is an internationally recognised agreement and a constitutional instrument that enabled the formation of Malaysia. It cannot simply be dismissed to fit personal prejudices or political provocation,” Fazzrudin said.
