Luqman's musings

  In Sabah, the push for full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is often framed as a noble struggle for greater autonomy — the right to manage our own affairs, land, immigration, resources, and a fairer share of revenue. Proponents argue we were promised special safeguards when Malaysia was formed, and much of that has been diluted over the decades. But here’s a question many ordinary Sabahans are asking: What is the point of struggling for more autonomy when we struggle with basic service delivery under the autonomy we already have?

  Yesterday, a good friend sent me the photo above and said: ‘Notice the elevation?’ I responded: Yes, what is important is if this was according to the DP (Development Plan). He replied: No idea…this has been going on for ages, until they meet LM (Luqman Michel).

  A Sabahans’ Perspective on Autonomy, Accountability and Access to Justice In my previous post, I wrote about how ordinary Sabahans — especially those in the B40 group — often find it too costly and discouraging to file complaints against lawyers under our local system. Many readers asked: “If the system feels stacked against ordinary people, why not just extend the Legal Profession Act 1976 (LPA) from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah so we have one uniform set of rules?” It’s a fair and important question. Let me explain what I’ve learned.

  In my last post on April 2, I shared how ordinary Sabahans — especially those in the B40 group like myself who rely on RM100 monthly SARA aid — are effectively priced out of complaining about professional misconduct by lawyers. The RM100 processing fee, printing costs, and the feeling that the system is stacked against us make it almost impossible to seek justice.

When Rhetoric Meets Reality in a Local Housing Nightmare In a recent LinkedIn post (Copied below for your convenience) that has sparked thoughtful debate among Sabahans , veteran lawyer Ronny Cham , Founder and Senior Partner of Ronny Cham & Co (established in 1984), passionately critiques the slogan "Sabah for Sabahan" as a "dangerous illusion." Drawing from his decades of experience in Kota Kinabalu, Cham argues that true progress for Sabah lies not in isolation from the Federal Government but in "intelligent partnership, accountability, and integrity in leadership." He warns against divisive rhetoric that severs the "lifeline" of federal support for defense, infrastructure, education, and health—essentials that Sabah lacks the capacity to fully provide on its own. Disclaimer: To be clear, I'm not here to debate MA63. This post simply contrasts what Cham claims with his actual actions.

Subject: Concerns Regarding Professional Accountability and Vistana Heights Issues Open letter: Dear Datuk Roger Chin and Datuk John Lo, I refer to your recent discussion in the YouTube video available at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs2LTSK5Kiw In the video, Datuk John Lo highlighted a critical issue, stating, “Roger has said something that is very critical because I always feel that we Sabahans are our biggest enemy because people who have been put in trust are not doing their job, yeah they are not doing the proper job.” I agree with this sentiment, but I respectfully ask: what concrete actions are you both taking to address these concerns beyond raising them in discussions?