Anwar: Only strong federal–state ties can drive Sabah forward
by Mariah Doksil · Borneo Post OnlineTUARAN (Nov 27): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Sabah’s development can only be accelerated through continued strong cooperation between the state government and the federal administration.
He emphasised that many of the state’s longstanding issues, including electricity, water supply and road connectivity, are now progressing because both governments are working smoothly and sincerely together.
“Policies cannot just be dictated from Putrajaya. I come to Sabah, I meet the Chief Minister and state leaders, and we set priorities together,” he said at the Temu Rapat with Local Community Leaders and Tuaran Entrepreneurs at the Rumpun Bajausama Sabah Cultural Centre in Lok Batik, Tuaran, on Thursday.
Anwar added that this approach has enabled historic milestones, including the return of regulatory power over electricity supply to Sabah and the restructuring of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)-related responsibilities.
He revealed that caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had immediately raised concerns about electricity shortages during their discussions.
“As soon as I sat down, he was already talking about Sabah’s electricity problems, not for himself, not for his family, but for the people,” Anwar said, describing Hajiji as a consistent and dependable partner in federal–state collaboration.
Following these discussions, the federal government approved RM1.2 billion to support Sabah’s electricity infrastructure, on top of ongoing federal-state cooperation to complete major water projects by next year.
Anwar praised Hajiji for being a Chief Minister who looks after the whole of Sabah, regardless of constituency or region, and said this consistency is why the federal government respects Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as a reliable partner.
He added that while parties contesting the election include independents and multiple coalitions, stable governance ultimately depends on functional cooperation.
“A 14-cornered fight is not a game. To govern Sabah, you need a team that can work with the federal government,” he said.
Anwar also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue return entitlement under MA63, saying the matter will be presented at the Cabinet meeting on Friday.
“This involves billions, not RM20 million. We must negotiate responsibly, but we will honour what is right,” he assured.
Anwar said Malaysia’s economic performance, including strong ringgit recovery, record-high investments and robust growth, shows the importance of synergy between federal and state administrations.
“For Sabah to prosper, we need a strong federal government and a strong state government that can work together,” he said.
He urged voters to consider this cooperative track record when casting their ballots.
“When federal and state governments understand each other, rakyat issues get solved. That is how we build a better Sabah and a better Malaysia,” he said.