KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has denied allegations that he opposed the formation of a Borneo bloc aimed at giving Sabah and Sarawak a stronger voice in the Federal Government.
The Perikatan Nasional chairman and Bersatu president dismissed such accusations as lies.
He stated that he has been visiting Sabah for years and continues to do so, recognizing the state’s economic potential for greater development.
“Since when did I say that I did not support this Borneo bloc? I myself do not know who is in the bloc,” said Muhyiddin during his speech at the Jelajah Rakyat function in Tawau on Friday (Aug 1) night.
Previously, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor mentioned that a former leader’s opposition to the Borneo bloc led him to leave the coalition he was in at that time to support the unity government.
The Borneo bloc was an initiative following the 2018 general election to give Sabah and Sarawak MPs a greater voice in the Federal Government.
After the November 2022 general election, Hajiji led a mass exodus to support the Unity Government, leaving Perikatan Nasional and Bersatu.
Hajiji and senior leaders of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah were with Bersatu, led by Muhyiddin at that time.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Muhyiddin said that working with strong electoral partners is part of their strategy heading into the upcoming state elections.
Not wanting to reveal their game plan, he emphasized the need to work with reliable partners to form the state and Federal Government.
When asked if meetings have been held with any leaders including Parti Warisan, he mentioned these strategies cannot be disclosed.
Muhyiddin said seat allocations, including how many and where, are part of their strategy and need careful consideration.
“Our candidates will be capable individuals while our logo will still remain the same,” he said, adding that Perikatan is committed to solving Sabah’s long-standing infrastructure and wellbeing-related issues without corrupt practices.
However, Sabah Perikatan chief Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee had earlier mentioned that Perikatan could go it alone, having formed both state and Federal Governments before.
He also criticized other coalitions for promoting the ‘Sabah for Sabahan’ slogan but then working with various partners, which he described as a love triangle.
