Presumably Dr. Mahathir thought he was doing his Borneo States allies a good turn when he proposed amendments to the Constitution up-grading their status. In which case he must be both disappointed and confused.

For decades there has been a current of opinion in Bornean Malaysia that the original Malaysia Agreement of 1963 was not being honoured. Now that there is an attempt to put right a perceived injustice Sarawak politicians appear to be rejecting the olive branch; unless, perhaps, it comes bearing more fruit?

The intransigent attitude of the Sarawak State government, as expressed by its Chief Minister, may be no more than a negotiating ploy aimed at getting even more concessions from Putrajaya. Or it may demonstrate that the Sarawak government is incapable of seeing a benefit for the State when one is thrust under its nose.

Or is there something more behind this new attitude? Does the ruling Malay/Melanau State government hold concealed hopes that more concessions can be extracted from Kuala Lumpur.

On oil?

Or, crucially, on burying once and for all the crimes of Sarawak Governor Taib and all his associates? The latter include, it should not be forgotten, most of the members of the ruling majority party in the Sarawak Assembly. Let us see how this drama plays out.