Borneo Bloc should be dialogue platform, not political alignment, says BN Sabah secretary

KOTA KINABALU (March 12): Discussions surrounding the idea of a Borneo Bloc should be viewed as a platform for dialogue rather than a political alignment, said Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah secretary Datuk Hasnol Ayub.

Hasnol said the growing public discussion on the idea provides an opportunity for a more mature and constructive conversation on the position of Sabah and Sarawak within the Federation of Malaysia.

He stressed that any move towards such a platform must be built on consensus and cooperation among all stakeholders.

“The Borneo Bloc should primarily serve as a platform for dialogue, enabling Sabah, Sarawak and the federal government to engage in meaningful discussions on matters of shared interest,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Hasnol said the concept should not be interpreted as an effort to create an exclusive political alignment or to challenge the existing structure of the federation.

Instead, he said it could serve as an initiative to strengthen reasonable autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak within the framework of the Federal Constitution and the country’s established legal system.

“All proposals and discussions must remain guided by constitutional boundaries, legal guidelines and institutional mechanisms,” he said, adding that certain matters may also be resolved through proper legal channels, including through the courts where necessary.

At the same time, Hasnol said the platform should encourage voices of reason from all sides.

He acknowledged that differences in views and challenges in negotiations were inevitable but stressed that such matters must be handled with maturity and a shared commitment to nation-building.

“While lessons from the past remain important references, our main focus must always be on the future,” he said.

Hasnol added that collective efforts should aim to strengthen economic growth, enhance regional competitiveness and ensure sustainable development.

He said discussions must also prioritise bread-and-butter issues affecting the people, including the creation of economic opportunities, empowerment of rural communities and ensuring development translates into tangible benefits.

“This includes ensuring that progress puts money into the pockets of the people,” he said.

Ultimately, Hasnol said the initiative should not be about control or political dominance, but about safeguarding national interests while strengthening unity and ensuring balanced prosperity across the country.

He added that such an approach would benefit all Malaysians, particularly the people of Sabah who aspire to see more inclusive development, stronger economic participation and a more secure and prosperous future.

The discussion on the so-called Borneo Bloc surfaced recently following remarks by former federal law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who suggested that Sabah and Sarawak could consolidate greater political influence through such a strategy.