Critics and skeptics of the proposal warn that merging the political interests of Sabah and Sarawak is easier said than done. The political landscape in Sabah is notoriously volatile, characterized by a high number of parties and frequent shifting of alliances. Integrating such a fragmented environment into the disciplined, centralized structure of GPS could lead to internal friction rather than the intended strength, potentially destabilizing the very coalition it seeks to expand.
There is also the concern that a 'Borneo Bloc' might prioritize regional interests at the expense of national unity. Some observers worry that creating a rigid, state-based power block could lead to a more polarized political climate, where federal decision-making becomes a zero-sum game between the peninsula and the Borneo states. This could complicate the formation of stable federal governments and lead to gridlock on national issues that require broad, cross-regional consensus.
Additionally, there is the question of whether the people of Sabah and Sarawak actually share the same political vision. While both states seek greater autonomy, their local priorities, economic challenges, and demographic compositions differ significantly. Forcing a top-down coalition structure might ignore the unique needs of local communities in Sabah, who may prefer to maintain their own distinct political identity rather than being subsumed into a model designed for Sarawak. The risk is that such an alliance could become a top-heavy political vehicle that fails to deliver tangible benefits to the average voter.