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Kota Kinabalu: Three Gabungan Rakyat Sabah component parties hit out at former federal minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim for equating the proposed “Borneo Bloc” and Sabah and Sarawak’s demand to fulfil constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 as an attempt to outwit Malaya. 

Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagassan Rakyat) Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said “Borneo Bloc” is not about consolidating political power at the Federal level but strengthen the balance within the framework of the Malaysian Federation. 

“This is a legitimate and mature political effort to align the voices of Sabah and Sarawak, ensuring the interests of the people of Borneo are championed more systematically in Parliament.

“Within a healthy Federal system, cooperation between regions to strengthen negotiating positions is common practice and should not be viewed negatively,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.

Nizam said the foundation of Malaysia’s formation in 1963 was based on the principle of partnership between regions.

“The participation of both regions in the Federation was established through clear negotiations, accompanied by specific guarantees to protect their identity, administrative autonomy and the interests of the local people,” he said.

These guarantees are enshrined in the MA63, which serves as the bedrock of the nation’s formation.

“Matters such as immigration powers, petroleum revenue issues, the claim for 40 per cent of Federal net revenue and various items related to the implementation of MA63 are not excessive privileges.

“All are part of the original commitments agreed during the formation of Malaysia. Therefore, ongoing efforts to demand and strengthen the implementation of these matters are consistent with the spirit of a fair and balanced Federation.” 

Likewise, Nizam said the proposal to increase parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak is also for more equitable representation, taking into account the vast land area, geographical diversity and distinct development needs.

“It is only right that the voices of the people in Sabah and Sarawak are more proportionately represented in the Malaysian Parliament.

“Any effort to reinforce the balance within the Federation should be seen as a step towards strengthening the nation as a whole,” he said. 

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang advised leaders in peninsula to be fair and responsible when commenting on MA63 issues.

He noted that their claims were deliberately being played up to deny the legitimate rights of Sabah and Sarawak.

“The statements reflect either a profound ignorance of history or a failure to grasp the fundamental basis of the Federation.

“The struggle to uphold MA63 is not an agenda of division or domination, but a quest for the implementation of rights lawfully agreed upon during the nation’s formation.”

Felix dismissed the notion of Sabah and Sarawak seeking to “control” other regions as both baseless and illogical.

There is urgent need for accurate historical education to bridge the understanding gap between East and West Malaysia, Felix said. 

He called on the people of Sabah and Sarawak to strengthen their solidarity to ensure their interests remain safeguarded. Key points of his call for action include:

•  Closing the Gap: Addressing the widening development and progress disparity between the Borneo states and Peninsular Malaysia.
•  Political Commitment: Demanding consistent implementation of MA63 through clear and sincere political will.
•  National Well-being: Reframing the struggle for East Malaysian rights as a pursuit of justice that ultimately benefits the well-being of all Malaysians.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Information Chief Nicholas Ban said portraying the Borneo Bloc as an attempt to “control Malaya” was a misinterpretation of its true intent.

“The Borneo Bloc is not about dominance or confrontation but a collective platform for Sabah and Sarawak to strengthen their voice within the Federation and pursue fair and balanced development.

“For decades, the people of Sabah have not been asking for supremacy but equitable treatment and development,” he said.

Nicholas said rural communities in Sabah continue to face challenges in basic infrastructure, including roads, clean water supply, stable electricity and broader economic opportunities.

“Our stand is clear, Sabah only wants to regain what has been diminished over the years, in accordance with the provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.”

He said the MA63 clearly outlines Sabah’s rights and position at the formation of Malaysia and that strengthening Sabah and Sarawak’s position within the federation would not weaken Malaysia.

On the contrary, a federation built on fairness, respect and balanced development would be more resilient and united.

“The Borneo Bloc is about balance, justice and restoring what rightfully belongs to Sabah, not about controlling anyone,” he said.