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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Sabah is entitled to equitable development, declaring that the Federal Government’s commitment must be demonstrated through tangible delivery rather than political slogans.
Speaking at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) rally in Likas, Anwar, who also chairs the coalition, said Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be respected, implemented and strengthened.
“Many basic matters that have long been delayed are now being accelerated, including improvements to electricity supply, the construction of road networks and resolving water problems that burden the people year after year.
“I did not come with empty promises. The MADANI Government is strengthening governance, closing gaps for leakages and ensuring every sen allocated truly reaches the people of Sabah,” he said on Facebook.
He called for sincere and respectful cooperation between the Federal and State Governments to ensure that development outcomes genuinely benefit Sabahans.
He also urged voters to reject divisive politics and support PH candidates, who he said would fight for the rights of the people and lead Sabah towards a more advanced, inclusive and dignified future.
Anwar reiterated that the Government remains fully committed to Sabah’s development agenda, including the implementation of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) and e-invoicing, both of which are still being refined to take into account the concerns of local businesses.
He acknowledged that “not all policies are perfect” and said the Government is incorporating new views put forward by Sabah’s business community.
He also noted that major projects for the state were approved well before the election period. “The Sabah Water Supply Project was approved in 2023, long before the start of the election season.”
He added that a RM2 billion internet connectivity initiative for Sabah and Sarawak was similarly launched earlier.
“A few years ago, we were shocked by the story of a young child who had to climb a tree simply to obtain a stable internet connection. That heartbreaking story struck my conscience and pushed me to resolve the issue as soon as I became Prime Minister.
“This proves we do not need to wait for an election campaign to solve the people’s problems.”
Addressing the long-standing debate on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, Anwar said: “I have stated that the Government’s position on Sabah’s 40% right is clear.
However, we are appealing several parts of the court decision that we consider unfair, particularly regarding the views and actions of the founding fathers in negotiating and resolving the matter — but Sabah’s right remains 40 per cent, full stop.”
He emphasised that the issue is not Sabah versus Peninsular Malaysia, but rather the need to choose leaders who genuinely fight for Sabah and do not “steal the rights of its people”.
Anwar also said he wants to see Sabah prosper and become strong, as its success would elevate Malaysia as a whole. He expressed appreciation to Tan Sri T.C. Goh and members of the Gabungan Persatuan Cina Sabah for their continued support.
“Let us work together to build a just, prosperous Malaysia that truly respects the rights of all states and territories,” he said. - November 28, 2025