David Ong
KOTA KINABALU (July 6): Liberal Democratic Get together (LDP) vice chairman David Ong has expressed each cautious optimism and demanding concern following the launch of Borneo.TV, Sabah’s new digital streaming platform aimed toward selling the State’s tradition and tales to a worldwide viewers.
Whereas acknowledging the strategic potential of Borneo.TV, Ong urged for deeper collaboration with the Sabah Movie and Visible Affiliation (SAFVA) and the broader inventive group to make sure a very inclusive and clear inventive ecosystem.
“The mix of Borneo.TV and SAFVA presents an unprecedented world alternative for Sabah’s id and voice to shine on the world stage,” he said in a press launch on Sunday. “Nevertheless, the initiative have to be greater than a symbolic launch. The mechanism of implementation have to be proper, inclusive, and clear to keep away from redundancy and to construct a powerful basis for long-term success.”
Launched on July 1 and officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Borneo.TV enters the Over-The-Prime (OTT) streaming period as a brand new platform operated by IB Media Marketing consultant Work Sdn Bhd. With no direct authorities funding and the mission to broadcast “Cerita Sabah di Mata Dunia” (Sabah Tales By way of the Eyes of the World), Borneo.TV is positioned to showcase Sabah’s wealthy arts, tradition and pure magnificence to a world viewers.
The Liberal Democratic Get together welcomes such innovation and acknowledges the worth of giving Sabahans and indigenous communities a platform to inform their very own tales. Nevertheless, Ong warns that success relies upon not solely on content material but additionally on the ecosystem behind the scenes.
“Native content material can not thrive in isolation. The most effective tales come from a basis of belief, respect and cooperation with those that have lengthy nurtured Sabah’s inventive panorama,” he mentioned.
His remarks comply with rising considerations raised by the SAFVA, whose president Chester Pang criticized the launch for failing to contain native creatives in significant session. SAFVA warned that with out open channels of communication and clear content material choice insurance policies, Borneo.TV dangers alienating the very abilities it seeks to advertise.
Artist and cultural advocate Atama Katama echoed these criticisms, elevating deeper questions on illustration, possession and potential exploitation of indigenous narratives by exterior pursuits.
“These voices can’t be ignored,” Ong emphasised. “No real cultural platform can succeed by marginalizing its personal storytellers. The mechanism of collaboration — particularly in relation to content material rights, choice standards, and native engagement — have to be reviewed and made public.”
Wanting ahead, the LDP requires the formation of a joint Sabah Inventive Council comprising representatives from Borneo.TV, SAFVA, indigenous cultural leaders, and different key stakeholders. Such a council would act as a guiding physique to make sure equitable participation, business requirements, and worldwide promotion methods are aligned with Sabah’s long-term pursuits.
“The objective is obvious — to raise Sabah within the eyes of the world, however we should stroll this path collectively, making certain that each body broadcasted displays not simply the fantastic thing about Sabah, however the dignity and rightful involvement of Sabahans themselves.”
