PENAMPANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Sabah youths to focus on what is best for the State and country, saying the Government is spending RM17 billion on Sabah’s development this year.
“Think about what is best for your family, your State and this country. Do the best for yourself and your country,” Anwar said, urging youths to be patient, as not all problems can be solved in one year.
He said the RM17 billion allocation covers roads, water supply and electricity infrastructure.
He pointed out that Sabah absorbed electricity management under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but an additional RM1.2 billion is still needed for electricity beyond the MA63 allocation.
Additionally, he acknowledged that water and electricity issues in Sabah have not been fully resolved.
“Connectivity and network coverage remain problematic in some areas, with some places having access while others do not,” he said.
He said this at the Temu Anwar Harapan Urang Muda Sabah programme held at the ITCC, Saturday.
He also said that he could have retired and asked for money but chose not to.
“I have three more years. I am not taking salary. I am helping,” he said.
Addressing the 40 per cent revenue, Anwar said discussions are ongoing with Sabah.
“I stand for you,” he said, when referring to Sabah’s rights, adding that his cabinet and government are discussing the technical details of how to implement the 40 per cent.
He also pointed out that Malaysia recorded 5.2 per cent economic growth, which he described as the highest in Asean.
He said the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have spoken to him about cooperation, which he attributed to Malaysia being seen as a stable and peaceful country.
“Sabah and Sarawak will not be peaceful if people keep thinking they are better than others,” Anwar said, urging youths not to focus on ethnic divisions.
On education, Anwar said Sabah now has some of the best schools in the country due to increased spending on school development. One university student pointed out salary scales in government-linked companies.
The student said graduates working in companies like Bernas in Sabah are paid according to SPM (secondary school certificate) scales even though they hold degrees.
Anwar responded that Federal salary scales apply, though he acknowledged the concern raised.
Some students also asked for additional funding to develop their campus. Anwar said he would ensure follow-up on the request but could not make announcements about campus infrastructure development on the spot.
Quoting Confucius, Anwar said a person who asks questions may seem foolish temporarily, but a person who does not know and does not ask will remain foolish forever.