Borneo Bloc aims to restore Sabah’s rights, not control Malaya, says LDP man

KOTA KINABALU (March 3): The Borneo Bloc is not about “controlling Malaya” but about restoring Sabah’s constitutional rights and strengthening its voice within the Federation of Malaysia, said Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Information Chief Nicholas Ban.

Responding to remarks by former minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, Ban said portraying the Borneo Bloc as an attempt at dominance or confrontation misrepresents its true intent.

He stressed that the Borneo Bloc serves as a collective platform for Sabah and Sarawak to pursue fair and balanced development while reinforcing their positions within Malaysia.

“For decades, the people of Sabah have not been asking for supremacy. What they seek is equitable treatment and development within the state,” he said in a statement.

Ban noted that many 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 (MA63),” he said.

He explained that MA63 clearly outlines Sabah’s rights and position at the formation of Malaysia, and advocating for its full implementation is neither extreme nor divisive but constitutionally grounded and legitimate.

Ban added that strengthening the position of Sabah and Sarawak within the federation would not weaken the country.

Instead, a federation built on fairness, mutual respect, and balanced development would be more resilient and united.

“When Sabah’s rightful position is restored and development gaps are addressed, Malaysia as a whole will stand stronger,” he said.

He reiterated that the LDP remains committed to pursuing Sabah’s interests through constructive and lawful means within the federal framework.

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