RM10 millions monthly from Kundasang highland vegetables growing and market gardening but the foreigners, not the locals, are making the money😭

The concern over the growing economic power and political influence of foreigners, particularly Muslim refugees and undocumented migrants (PTIs) in Sabah, is indeed a pressing issue. Over the years, Sabah has seen an increasing influx of foreigners, primarily from the southern Philippines, leading to significant demographic changes. This shift has fueled fears that Sabah might be overtaken economically and politically, which has major implications for local communities.

**Economic Influence and Land Ownership**

One of the key challenges facing Sabah is the concentration of economic power in the hands of foreign labor, which is exacerbated by corruption among local politicians. Many PTIs have become integral to Sabah’s labor force, especially in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and services. The influx of foreigners, some of whom have gained Malaysian citizenship through dubious means, has allowed them to acquire property, including Native Titles (NT) land, which is supposed to be reserved for indigenous peoples (Kadazandusun and Murut communities). There have been reports of land being sold or leased to these individuals illegally, as they exploit loopholes and the weak enforcement of land ownership laws.

For example, Sabah’s population grew significantly from 2.6 million in 2000 to nearly 3.6 million by 2023. Of this, the Muslim population, which includes many PTIs, now makes up the majority, with over 2.3 million Muslims compared to 843,000 Christians, who are mostly indigenous. The concentration of Muslims, many of whom are economically active and politically aligned, has enabled them to have a disproportionate influence on land ownership and economic activities, often to the detriment of the indigenous population. This shift has raised concerns about the potential for further economic domination by PTIs and their descendants【28†source】【29†source】.

**Corruption and Political Power**

Corruption among Sabah’s political elite has worsened the situation. Many politicians, particularly from majority Muslim parties, are accused of turning a blind eye to the illegal granting of citizenship and land deals in exchange for votes. This practice, often referred to as “Project IC,” has dramatically altered the state's demographic and political landscape. With more naturalized citizens supporting certain political factions, the balance of power has shifted. 

Published reports show that many of the PTIs who gained citizenship under this scheme have been used as a voter base to secure political control. The result is that key decisions, including land allocations and economic opportunities, increasingly favor these groups, further marginalizing indigenous Sabahans【28†source】.

**Islamic Extremism and Foreign Influence**

There are also concerns about the ties between some political factions and extremist groups from the southern Philippines, including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Abu Sayyaf. These connections have not only increased the flow of foreign nationals into Sabah but also heightened the risk of instability and militant activity. The Malaysian government has had to continually monitor the possibility of militant incursions, especially with claims of land in Sabah by heirs to the Sulu Sultanate【28†source】.

**Biblical Perspective**

From a biblical standpoint, the situation in Sabah can be likened to the warnings in **Proverbs 29:2**: "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan." The encroachment on indigenous lands, corruption, and the resulting socio-economic displacement echo the themes of injustice condemned throughout the Bible. The land and resources, which are meant to be stewarded for the benefit of all, have instead been concentrated in the hands of a few, through deceit and exploitation.

Another verse that resonates with the current situation is **Habakkuk 1:3-4**, where the prophet cries out about violence, lawlessness, and injustice, saying, "Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth." This verse speaks to the sense of frustration felt by many Sabahans today, as they witness their land being taken over and their rights undermined.

In conclusion, Sabah's current trajectory, marked by a growing PTI population, economic power concentration, and political corruption, presents a real threat to the state's future. Without significant reforms and the enforcement of laws designed to protect indigenous rights and curb corruption, Sabah could face further marginalization of its native people and economic control by foreign entities. Addressing these issues requires both political will and a return to just governance, as called for in scripture.