“Recently, some political analysts have been trying to imply the existence of what they have come to call a ‘Borneo Bloc’ to counter narratives prevalent in the peninsula, particularly surrounding race and religion.

“As a Sabahan, I am not at all pleased with this kind of talk. It suggests that we are only motivated to enhance our political power at the federal level,” the Usukan assemblyman said.

Salleh told FMT that the primary concern for all Sabah leaders, including himself, is the economic well-being of the rakyat, the state and the nation.

“That means we are concerned with the welfare of the rakyat as a whole.

“Whether they live in cities, towns, or in rural areas, we must ensure the availability of new economic activities with good employment opportunities for all, better healthcare, improved social welfare, and better infrastructure, including the availability of electricity, water supply and the internet,” he said.

Salleh urged political commentators and the media to stop branding MPs and politicians from Sabah and Sarawak as “kingmakers” and to refrain from associating them with any plot to prop up or topple any government.

“I am sure our brothers and sisters in Sarawak share the same opinion.

“We are approaching our inaugural Hari Sabah at the state level, as well as Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day at the national level.

“Let us focus on pooling together our resources and talent to build all of Malaysia to its fullest potential, rather than practising segregation,” he said.