Assafal @ Samsul Kamal P. Alian

• • Member of the Legislative Assembly for Tungku since May 2018, re-elected in 2020.
  • Served as Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment (2018–2020) in Sabah’s state government.

Policy Engagements & Public Advocacy:

• • Advocated that Sabah must legally assert its rights under MA63 and not rely solely on goodwill from the federal government.
  • Warned that Sabah’s new carbon law (2025) could collapse if the state did not formally reject federal laws that encroach on its maritime and seabed rights.
  • Proposed a “Borneo Education System” tailored for Sabah and Sarawak to ensure both states’ histories and rights are properly represented in curricula.
  • Called for passing an anti-hopping law in Sabah to protect political stability after state-level party shifts.

• Member of the Legislative Assembly for Tungku since May 2018; secured seats in both 2018 and 2020 state elections.
• Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment of Sabah (2018–2020) under the WARISAN-led state administration.
• A member of the Sabah Heritage Party (WARISAN) since 2018. He represents this party in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.

Ambalat Sovereignty Claims

Assaffal stirred a major controversy by alleging in a Sabah State Assembly session that the Federal Government had “handed over” the Ambalat Block in the Sulawesi Sea to Indonesia—an area that Malaysia claims as part of its Exclusive Economic Zone. This statement was deemed slanderous and misleading by Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin, who warned such remarks pose a threat to national sovereignty. The Sabah government even considered disciplinary action against him, and a police report was filed by G57 under defamation and related laws.
Daily BorneoThe Star

Assembly Motion on MA63 Status Rejected

In December 2021, Assaffal introduced a motion in the Sabah State Assembly aiming to restore Sabah’s constitutional status per the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). However, the Speaker returned the motion, reasoning that Sabah was referred to as “The Colonies of North Borneo” and not a “territory” under MA63—much to Assaffal’s disappointment.
Daily Express

Dismissal of Assembly Appeal

In late November 2023, Assaffal’s appeal under Standing Order 23(1) involving Federal gazette PU(A) 364/2023 was rejected by the Sabah Assembly Speaker. He publicly expressed frustration, calling it a missed opportunity for Sabah leaders to unite on state matters.
The Star

Carbon Law and Maritime Rights Concerns

In July 2025, during debates on Sabah’s new Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, Assaffal warned that without formally rejecting the federal Territorial Sea Act 2012 and Continental Shelf Act 1966 in the Assembly, the law could be legally undermined—especially in marine zones.
He also called for the declassification of the Sulawesi Sea Treaty, citing concerns over Sabah’s maritime sovereignty.The Vibes

Borneo-centric Education Reform

In November 2023, Assaffal proposed a Malaysia-ratified “Borneo Education System” tailored for Sabah and Sarawak. He argued that the existing system erases Sabah’s role in Malaysia’s formation and urged a redesign to better reflect local realities and deliver equitable educational outcomes.
Malay MailBorneo Post Online

Push for Anti-party Hopping Law in Sabah

Assaffal actively campaigned for Sabah to adopt an anti-party hopping law, emphasizing its importance for political stability—especially following Assam’s political turmoil in late 2022. He urged the state government to table the legislation promptly.
The Star

Call for Reform of State GLCs

In November 2023, he emphasized the need for progressive reform within Sabah’s government-linked companies to boost their effectiveness and competitiveness, criticizing the lack of substantive policy direction.
The Star

Defending State’s Rights and Allocation

Also in November 2023, Assaffal stressed that Sabah cannot merely rely on goodwill with the Federal Government for rights and development. Instead, he urged that these be legally enforceable, especially concerning development allocations and Sabah’s entitlements under MA63.
The Star

Reforming Election Financing

In April 2025, Assaffal proposed a bold electoral reform: redirecting political campaign funds to voters themselves as incentives to raise voter turnout, instead of spending on campaign machinery. He lamented low arrival rates and urged structural change.
The Star