A Stand for Independence: Roger Chin's Bold Vow
In a move that has sparked curiosity and debate, Datuk Roger Chin, a renowned legal activist, has taken on a unique role as a nominated assemblyman with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government. Chin, known for his unwavering commitment to Sabah's rights, has made a bold promise to remain independent and apolitical in this new position.
But here's where it gets controversial: Chin accepted the appointment on the condition that he wouldn't join any political party. He wants to maintain his professional legal expertise, especially when it comes to advocating for Sabah's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the state's claim for a fair share of federal revenue.
"I made it clear from the start—I'm not joining any party. That would compromise my integrity," Chin explained. He added that his role is to assist the state with legal matters, including the complex negotiations surrounding MA63 and Sabah's rightful 40% share of federal revenue.
Chin's past actions speak volumes. As a former president of the Sabah Law Society (SLS), he initiated legal proceedings to assert Sabah's right to its fair share of federal revenue. In a landmark ruling on October 17, the Kota Kinabalu High Court sided with Sabah, stating that the federal government had acted unlawfully by not fulfilling Sabah's constitutional right to the 40% share between 1974 and 2021.
The court's decision ordered Putrajaya to review revenue allocation and reach an agreement with Sabah within 180 days. While the federal government is appealing certain aspects, they have acknowledged Sabah's right and established a joint committee for negotiations.
Addressing public concerns about his independence, Chin wrote on Facebook, "I understand the worries—will I still speak my mind? Will I be compromised? Let me be clear: I am not affiliated with any political party. I was chosen for my professional expertise, not my political connections.
My independence is my strength, and I intend to keep it that way. This role gives me a powerful platform to advocate when it matters most."
Chin emphasized that his appointment is not political. "I was assured of my independence. The role of a nominated assemblyman is specifically for professionals like me, who bring expertise to the Legislative Assembly, representing communities and issues that might otherwise be overlooked."
He believes that by engaging directly in decision-making, he can be more effective than merely criticizing from the outside. "To those who are worried, I assure you—I will continue to speak out, and I will stand firm. Independence is not just a condition for me; it's the very reason I accepted this responsibility."
Chin's appointment, along with five others, was made by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman.
So, what do you think? Is Chin's vow to stay independent a bold move or a naive idealism? Share your thoughts in the comments!
