Citizen of the Earth

Stateless People in Sabah: A Complex Migration History and Efforts for Change

Sabah, a Malaysian state strategically positioned between Indonesia and the Philippines, has experienced a significant influx of migrants since gaining independence in 1957. This unique geographical location has given rise to a complex issue of statelessness within the region. The history of migration, particularly the inflow of refugees from Mindanao in the 1970s due to the civil war in the southern Philippines, has contributed to the intricate challenges faced by the state.

In response to the influx of Filipino refugees, the Sabah state administration sought support from the federal government of Malaysia and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The federal government introduced a special identification document, the “IMM13” pass, which was extended to the families of the refugees. However, a change in the ruling political party during the mid-1980s led to a shift in stance, with concerns about rising crime rates and limited employment opportunities for locals arising from the increasing foreign population.

As the situation improved in the Philippines, those who arrived in Sabah in 1985 were no longer recognized as refugees but classified as economic migrants. Consequently, new documents were issued to individuals of Filipino descent in Sabah, such as the “kad burung_burung” by the Sabah Chief Minister’s department and the “sijil banci” by the Malaysian National Security Council. The process of obtaining these documents is not straightforward, often lacking clear and transparent guidelines, resulting in potential statelessness.

Recent records from the National Registration Department reveal that 23,154 individuals under the age of 21 in Sabah are stateless as of March 2023, a number likely higher than officially reported. The dire circumstances have been further highlighted by local media, showcasing an increase in child begging and glue sniffing on the streets of cities like Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, and Lahad Datu. Extreme poverty has pushed children as young as six years old to fend for themselves, exposed to risks including arrest due to lack of identification.

In this challenging landscape, Arch Angel Grace Moreno Bayang, known as the “Mother of All Tribes in Sabah,” is a tireless advocate. Hailing from the Sabah Mindanao Palawan Royal Sultanate, she has collaborated with international humanitarian assistance to address the core issues faced by stateless people in Sabah. Her efforts focus on protecting child and women’s rights irrespective of their documentation status.

Arch Angel Grace Moreno Bayang’s initiatives encompass three key areas:

1. Enrollment of Stateless Children and Voluntary Repatriation: Assisting in the enrollment of stateless children in educational institutions and facilitating the voluntary repatriation of migrants to their home countries.
2. Access to Education and Vocational Training: Providing assistance to undocumented and migrant children, enabling their access to schools and vocational training facilities, empowering them with essential skills.
3. E-Citizenship under the Sabah Mindanao Palawan Royal Sultanate: Exploring avenues for granting e-citizenship under the Sabah Mindanao Palawan Royal Sultanate to mitigate issues related to statelessness.

Through these collaborative efforts, Arch Angel Grace Moreno Bayang and her partners strive to bring about positive change, addressing the intricate challenges faced by stateless people in Sabah. The focus on child and women’s rights, along with innovative solutions, offers hope for a better future for these marginalized communities.