KOTA KINABALU: The idea of forming a Borneo Bloc during the last general election was intended to strengthen regional collaboration, said Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
In the 2022 general election, Parti Warisan proposed the Borneo Bloc to advocate for the rights of both Sabah and Sarawak.
When asked whether Warisan would push for a similar approach in the upcoming state election, Shafie said he would leave the matter to his Sarawak counterparts for the bloc's formation.
"But we are not saying that within a country, there should be a bloc here and a bloc there. It's more about how we can unite.
"We love our country, but our voice must be heard. Don't take it for granted. By strengthening regional cooperation, we can ensure that our needs are addressed.
"If common values are present, why shouldn't we have the idea of a Borneo Bloc? This is not just about Sabah or Sarawak, but about how we can unite to address our needs and maximise our resources," he told the media after the party's mooncake festival celebration at a restaurant here.
Shafie added that by fostering stronger regional cooperation, Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei could benefit from shared development opportunities, particularly in industries such as aviation and oil.
He reflected on his time as chief minister when he personally met with the Sultan of Brunei to discuss establishing a joint airline.
"When I was chief minister, I suggested that we should not rely solely on Malaysia Airlines. I met with the Sultan of Brunei and proposed the idea of Borneo Airlines.
"Brunei has its airline, Sabah has Sabah Air, and Sarawak has Hornbill. If we combine them, we can create something powerful, like Qatar Airways or Saudi Airlines.
"We have oil, and with that, we can finance, fuel, and operate a major airline. This would reduce dependence on external airlines and give us more control over our economic future," he added.
However, the Senallang assemblyman and Semporna member of parliament said that Warisan's main priority is to strengthen its "house," which he described as capable of bringing awareness to the people on pressing issues.