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KOTA KINABALU: The proposal to form a Borneo Bloc should be understood within the historical context and spirit of the formation of Malaysia, said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) information chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (pic).

He said claims by former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim that Sabah and Sarawak were using the proposal to strengthen political control at the federal level were misplaced.

Nizam said the proposal was a legitimate political effort to coordinate the voices of Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament to better represent the interests of the people of Borneo.

He said the rights and matters related to the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, including immigration powers, petroleum revenue and the 40 per cent net revenue entitlement, were part of commitments agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia.

He added that the idea of a Borneo Bloc reflects the political maturity of Sabah and Sarawak within the Malaysian federation and aims to strengthen cooperation so that development issues, constitutional rights and the interests of Borneo communities can be pursued in a more structured manner.