KUCHING: Claims that the Borneo bloc intends to control West Malaysia are baseless and merely aimed at gaining publicity.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said such statements do not reflect Sarawak’s true position, which has consistently upheld the spirit of cooperation within the framework of the federation of Malaysia.
“There are certain politicians who frequently raise sensitive issues simply to regain attention after their political careers have faltered.
“They want to remain in the public spotlight. They lost elections, failed to secure positions within their own parties, yet still need a platform to stay relevant,” he told a press conference at the Baitulmakmur Building II here today.
He said this when asked to comment on remarks made by former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who claimed that the Borneo bloc intends to control West Malaysia.
Abdul Karim said that today there are many platforms, including social media and podcasts, that individuals use to make sensational statements in order to attract attention from netizens and the media.
He stressed that such claims do not reflect reality, adding that Sarawak has never had any intention of controlling other regions, but is instead seeking a fairer share of resources.
“Our oil and gas and natural resources are shared. We understand that we are part of a federal system.
“What we want is a fair partnership. If we are the ones producing the resources but receive only five per cent while 95 per cent is taken by others, that is not a fair sharing arrangement,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s demands regarding the state’s rights and interests must be viewed within the historical context of Malaysia’s formation and the federal spirit agreed upon from the beginning.
Prior to this, Zaid stated that the Borneo bloc is not merely about balance or bargaining power but aims to give Sabah and Sarawak greater control over political and economic matters, while leadership in West Malaysia remains focused on the contest for the prime ministership.
