KUALA LUMPUR: Former Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (
pic) claimed that Sabah and Sarawak are using the proposed Borneo Bloc to strengthen their political control at the federal level.
In a
Facebook post on Monday, he said the two states have historically secured favourable terms, referring to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) when Malaysia was formed.
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Zaid argued that although Sabah and Sarawak present themselves as equal partners in Malaysia’s formation, they were British colonies at the time and negotiated strong safeguards.
He cited immigration autonomy, saying Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia need permission to work there, and that business activities often require local participation.
He also pointed to disputes involving maritime laws, the Petroleum Development Act and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), as well as the 40 per cent revenue demand and other unresolved MA63 matters.
On the Borneo Bloc, he said calls for more parliamentary seats would further boost Sabah and Sarawak’s leverage.
While Borneo leaders say the bloc is meant to strengthen their negotiating position, Zaid claimed they already have that advantage, adding that Malaya’s leaders appear more focused on vying for the prime minister’s post.
