Lecture Abstract:

From decolonisation, self-governance to independence as part of the Federation of Malaysia, the state of Sabah has come a long way in both its social and political development. Yet, despite Sabah having gained independence for more than half a century, the purported Sulu claim on Sabah’s sovereignty seems not to have been put to rest, as was vividly demonstrated by the Sulu armed elements’ incursion into Sabah nearly two years ago. In this lecture, Datuk Teo Chee Kang who in addition to being a politician is also a renowned lawyer well versed in Sabah’s constitutional affairs will explore the validity (or myth) of the Sulu claim on Sabah as well as the special position of Sabah within the federal structure of Malaysia.

About the Speaker:

Datuk Teo Chee Kang is the Minister of Special Tasks in Sabah Chief Minister’s Department, as well as state assemblyman for Tanjong Kapor, Malaysia. He is also the president of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a component party of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition in Malaysia. Previously, Datuk Teo served as chairman of Sabah Credit Corporation and Sabah Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board. In recognition for his contributions, Datuk Teo was appointed a Justice of the Peace (JP) by the Sabah State Governor. Datuk Teo graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of London and Barrister-in-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, England.