Sabah’s tough stance on Bajau Laut tribe raises questions about how the state should treat the stateless, with the world watching
The issue was a polarising one — dividing many Sabahans who understood the plight of the stateless, and those who see them as second or third class citizens who do not have any contribution to Malaysia. Mukmin Nantang, the Tawau-born activist who has been among the loudest during this controversy speaks of the Bajau with compassion, humanity and appreciation of their ancestral traditions.
Known for a wide-ranging cultural make up, Sabah has been welcoming of all its tribes and races; from the horse-riding Bajau Sama of the west coast, the paddy-planting, merry making Kadazan Dusuns, the Brunei Malays, the Lundayehs, the Muruts, Iranuns, Bisaya, Bugis and everything in between, it is hoped that the Bajau Laut, be extended the same social status.