Sarawak Minister fires at Borneo Bloc remarks: ‘Losers in politics, but seek spotlight’

Abdul Karim speaking during a press conference held at Baitul Makmur II in Petra Jaya on March 5, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, March 5: Some politicians make controversial remarks simply to stay in the spotlight, says Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He was responding to a recent statement by former minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who described Sabah and Sarawak’s latest political initiative, dubbed the “Borneo Bloc,” as a clever strategy to outwit and control Malaya.

Abdul Karim said some individuals turn to platforms like TikTok and podcasts to gain attention, particularly after losing elections or failing to secure positions within their parties.

“This is the problem. Some politicians want to be in the limelight. He lost elections, and even within his own party he did not get any position. But he needs a platform like TikTok pr podcasts. I don’t want to mention names because that would give him more popularity. But there are many leaders like that, even in Sarawak.

“They are losers in every aspect of politics, yet whenever there is an issue, they are first to come forward and say all sorts of things,” he told a press conference for Lan Berambeh Sungkey Belia 2026 at BaitulMakmur II in Petra Jaya today.

Abdul Karim noted that certain statements are deliberately provocative, designed to generate online and media attention, giving some politicians a fleeting moment in the spotlight.

He questioned Zaid’s motives, pointing out that he has never succeeded in politics yet now uses podcasts to claim that Sabah and Sarawak intend to control Malaya.

In a recent social media post, Zaid expressed “admiration” for Sabah and Sarawak, describing the “Borneo Bloc” as a smart strategy to outwit Malaya. He also suggested that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) rights were negotiated decades ago under British oversight and implied that the two states are now seeking powers beyond the original agreements. — DayakDaily