Kota Kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the people’s issues such as floods, dilapidated schools, damaged homes, broken roads and electricity and water problems remain the Government’s top priority.
However, he said these matters should not be turned into political issues or used as election capital.
“This is about the people. Broken schools, damaged homes, rivers that need to be managed, roads that must be repaired, electricity and water problems that must be resolved,” he said.
Anwar said he also disliked seeing poverty issues being played up only during elections.
“Many politicians are like that. When elections are near, only then they pat children, only then they visit villages. No. We are a party that cares for the people at all times,” he said at a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) gathering in conjunction with the 27th anniversary of Reformasi at Pisompuruan Hall at Kampung Kobuni, in Inanam, Friday. Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman and Keadilan President, also highlighted the reduction in fuel prices as proof of the Government’s concern.
“On the 30th, fuel price will go down. For Sabah and Sarawak, even if it rises elsewhere, here it does not. Because Sabah and Sarawak are Malaysia since 1963,” he said.
He said this was about delivering justice to Sabah and Sarawak.
“Don’t listen to those who say we are a Malaya party. People’s projects are more in Sabah. Because Sabah faces more challenges,” he said.
Anwar also talked about his visit to a primary school in poor condition due to floods.
“If it were my own children, I wouldn’t want them to study like that. For other people’s children, it is not acceptable either. That is our policy, to safeguard the people’s interests,” he said.
Anwar stressed that leaders must set an example.
“How many years have you been a minister? How much wealth have you taken? That must be questioned. Leaders must be good examples,” he said.
He added that he had not taken the Prime Minister’s salary since 2022, and that all ministers had cut their salaries by 20 per cent.
“So that the people know not all leaders want to plunder the people’s wealth. This is important,” he said.
He also said he had never asked for land, projects or special privileges in Sabah.
“Was there one piece of land I asked for? None. One project? None. One wife? Also none. One is enough with Azizah,” he said in jest.
Touching on race and religion, he reminded the people not to be swayed by divisive politics.
“In Sabah you look after the Malays, the Chinese, the Kadazans, Dusuns, Bajaus, Muruts, everyone. This State will be ruined if racial and religious campaigning continues,” he said.
Anwar underscored that unity was key to gaining the world’s respect.
“Yesterday (Thursday) President Donald Trump contacted me. If the country is in turmoil, people won’t respect us. If we are united, they will come. This October many world leaders will attend in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
He also stressed that firm action against corruption would continue.
“If there is evidence of corruption, MACC goes in. If guilty, punished, sent to prison. Billions stolen from the people must be recovered,” he said.
Anwar said he could forgive injustices done to him, but not the theft of public funds.
“If you steal the people’s money, you must pay it back. This is not revenge. It is the people’s money,” he said.
On Sabah’s development, the Prime Minister said the allocation for the State was the highest in history.
“This is the highest in Malaysia’s history. Many problems are unresolved, but the process is ongoing,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments.
“If the State Government cooperates, discussions are easier. Whatever projects are needed, we approve,” he said.
He reminded the people that Parliament seats in Sabah and Sarawak will be increased, a struggle dating back to 1963.
“Who approved it? The current Prime Minister,” he said.
Anwar said aid to the people was also being stepped up, including the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR).
“In 2025 alone, STR amounts to RM15 billion,” he said.
He added that civil servants’ salaries had also been raised this year with an additional RM10 billion, and another RM18 billion would be provided next year.
“I will announce the National Budget, God willing there will be good news for Sabah,” he said.
Anwar said power must be used to serve the people.
“When we have power, that’s the time to do our very best. My hope is that the people unite, that our children have opportunities and that the future is better,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Sabah who had continued to support him throughout his political struggle over the decades.
“I cannot forget that affection. This is the face of justice, the face of all races, gathered as one team for change in Sabah and Malaysia,” he said.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Higher Education Minister and Sepanggar MP Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister and Inanam Assemblyman Datuk Peto Galim, as well as National and State PH and Keadilan leaders.
