Declaration of Establishment of the Republic of Sabah North Borneo Government-in-Exile (RSNB-GIE)

Proclaimed on 13 September 2025
Effective on 16 September 2025
Melbourne, Australia

Preamble

We, the representatives of the people of Sabah (North Borneo), assembled in exile and acting in unity with our people at home and abroad, mindful of our duty to safeguard the dignity, rights, and sovereignty of our nation, hereby make this solemn Declaration.

On 16 September 1963, Sabah was forcefully annexed into the Federation of Malaya, which on that date rebranded itself as “Malaysia.” This was carried out without a referendum, without a general election, without the consent of an elected democratic government, and without the free will of the people being genuinely ascertained. As a colony, Sabah possessed no sovereignty to sign away, and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was imposed through colonial pressure and manipulation.

This act was contrary to the principle of self-determination under United Nations General Assembly Resolutions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV). Furthermore, the agreement was not registered under Article 102 of the UN Charter until 21 September 1970, seven years after its alleged enforcement, and therefore could not lawfully be invoked before any organ of the United Nations during that period. The Manila Accord (1963), which required that the people’s wishes be fully ascertained, was also disregarded.

Declaration

Accordingly, we hereby declare:

That the Republic of Sabah North Borneo Government-in-Exile (RSNB-GiE) is established as the legitimate representative and political authority of the people of Sabah in exile, effective from 16 September 2025.
That the ceremonial proclamation of this decision is made on 13 September 2025, with the full effect of this Declaration to commence on 16 September 2025.
That the RSNB-GiE shall:
- Uphold and advance the inalienable right of the people of Sabah to independence and sovereignty;
- Represent Sabah in international, diplomatic, legal, and political forums;
- Advocate peacefully and lawfully for recognition of Sabah as a free and sovereign nation.
That the RSNB-GiE shall continue to discharge its mission until Sabah is restored as an independent state, at which time full authority will be transferred to a duly constituted government within Sabah.

Signed and Proclaimed this 13th Day of September 2025
Effective on the 16th Day of September 2025
On behalf of the people of Sabah, North Borneo

Mosses Paul Anap
President
Republic of Sabah North Borneo Government-in-Exile