KOTA KINABALU, May 6 -- Sabah, as Malaysia's largest carbon sink, plays a critical role in the nation's climate goals.

With the federal Climate Change Bill (Rang Undang-Undang Perubahan Iklim, or RUUPIN) soon to be tabled in Parliament, the question of Sabah's carbon sovereignty and rights has become urgent.

At a recent briefing and dialogue convened by the civil society coalition Carbon Sovereign Sabah (CSS), a group of elected state representatives were encouraged to act in the state's best interest: "We are entrusting you to find ways to act for Sabah and Sabah's sovereignty."

Cynthia Ong of Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP) shared that RUUPIN is being fast-tracked for tabling this June. In the meantime, Sabah's State Legislati...