KOTA KINABALU, March 14 2026: Former Sabah Chief Minister Salleh Said Keruak (picture) suggested that it is more appropriate for Sabah and Sarawak to refer to themselves as Sabah- Sarawak Cooperation instead of Borneo Bloc.
He said today some are discussing the idea of forming a Borneo Bloc, the aim is simply to strengthen cooperation between the two states in Borneo on matters of mutual interest.
“If the term Borneo Bloc is considered sensitive, it may be more appropriate to refer to Sarawak–Sabah cooperation,” Salleh wrote on his Facebook.
He said if Sarawak and Sabah deal with major issues separately, the bargaining position may be weaker.
“However, if views are aligned and brought together, the voice will be stronger,” he stressed.
He noted that there are things for which Sarawak and Sabah have different priorities, saying that it is normal.
“However, for matters of mutual interest, working together is a better move,” he said, stressing that in this spirit, the Sarawak–Sabah Cooperation reflects the original idea of the formation of Malaysia — regions working together with mutual respect.
Salleh said when Malaysia was formed in 1963, the Federal Constitution recognised Sabah and Sarawak as Borneo States, pointing out that Malaysia at that time consisted of three components: the Malayan States, the Borneo States and Singapore.
He said the Constitution was amended and the term Borneo States was dropped, with Sabah and Sarawak listed with the other states, in 1976.
“Many felt that this amendment had obscured the original structure and spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“More recent constitutional amendments have restored some recognition of the special status of Sabah and Sarawak, although the term Borneo States has not been restored,” he added.
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