Nizam: Borneo Bloc Strengthens Federal Balance, Not Dominance

4 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The proposal to establish the Borneo Bloc is not intended to strengthen Sabah and Sarawak’s political power at the federal level, but rather to reinforce balance within Malaysia’s framework built on the spirit of regional partnership.

Chief Information Officer of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Datuk Nizam DSP Abu Bakar Titingan, stated that former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Zaid Ibrahim’s, claim that the Borneo Bloc aims to enhance political control at the federal level should be viewed in the context of Malaysia’s formation history.

He emphasised that the proposal should not be interpreted as an attempt to dominate the Peninsula, but as a legitimate and mature political approach to unify Sabah and Sarawak’s voices in advocating for Borneo’s interests more systematically in Parliament.

“In a healthy federal system, cooperation among regions to strengthen negotiation positions is common and should not be viewed negatively,” he said in a statement today.

According to Nizam, Malaysia’s formation in 1963 was based on principles of regional sharing. Although Sabah and Sarawak were under British administration at the time, their inclusion was through clear negotiations with guarantees to protect their identities, administrative autonomy, and local interests.

He added that these guarantees are enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which forms the foundation of the nation’s establishment.

“Matters such as immigration powers, petroleum revenue issues, the 40% share of federal revenue, and the implementation of MA63 are not privileges but the original commitments agreed upon during Malaysia’s formation,” he said.

He further stated that ongoing efforts to demand and strengthen the implementation of these matters align with the spirit of a fair and balanced federation.

Commenting on the proposal to increase parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, Nizam said it should be viewed from the perspective of fairer representation considering the size of the regions, geographical diversity, and differing development needs.

“The formation of the Borneo Bloc reflects the political maturity of Sabah and Sarawak within the Malaysian Federation. Its aim is to strengthen cooperation so that issues of development, constitutional rights, and the interests of Borneo’s people can be pursued more systematically and constructively.

“Malaysia was built on the spirit of regional cooperation, not competition between the Peninsula and Borneo. Therefore, any efforts to strengthen balance within the Federation should be seen as steps to strengthen the nation as a whole,” he concluded.