PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged that the MADANI Government will continue prioritising equitable development in Sabah and Sarawak, stressing that both regions must share fully in the nation’s progress through improved public services, stronger infrastructure and enhanced opportunities for their people.
In a message marking the Kaamatan and Gawai harvest celebrations, Anwar said the government remained committed to delivering meaningful improvements to the quality of life in East Malaysia, with particular emphasis on education, healthcare and basic infrastructure.
He said the commitment must be reflected through better educational opportunities, access to quality healthcare services, comprehensive development of essential infrastructure and a more dignified standard of living for communities across both states.
"In the diversity of customs, languages and cultures that enrich our nation, these celebrations remind us that Malaysia’s strength lies in its ability to preserve harmony amid diversity, strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and nurture a culture of mutual respect.
"Kaamatan and Gawai are celebrations of thanksgiving rooted in the traditions and heritage of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, observed with deep meaning in a spirit of togetherness, consensus and appreciation for the blessings of the land.
"I extend Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan and Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai to all the people of Sabah and Sarawak," he said.
The Prime Minister said the annual harvest festivals serve as an important reminder of the values that underpin Malaysia’s multicultural identity, highlighting how mutual understanding and respect continue to strengthen national cohesion.
He also expressed hope that this year’s Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations would bring prosperity and blessings to communities across Sabah and Sarawak while further reinforcing the spirit of unity, cooperation and togetherness that forms the foundation of the country’s harmony and stability.
The message comes as the federal government continues efforts to address regional development disparities and strengthen economic and social opportunities in the two Bornean states, which play a vital role in Malaysia’s national development and multicultural character. - May 30, 2026
