Space, mobilities, and insecurity in maritime sabah: The impact of government bordering practices following the 2013 sulu intrusion

Abstract

In this chapter, by focusing on the coastal and maritime spaces of Sabah, Malaysia, I show how measures to promote “national security” do not necessarily facilitate the human security —which I define as physical safety, economic prosperity, and security of identity—of many of those living within “national” spaces, and in some cases can have the opposite effect. I develop this argument based on my findings from research in Sabah in 2013, immediately after an intrusion by an armed group from the southern Philippines. Coming from the perspective of borderlands and political geographical studies, I explain the impact of certain spatial and bordering strategies and practices—which do not necessarily have to take place at the border line itself—on human security and on practices integral to residents’ physical safety, economic livelihoods, and security of identity.