PRIME MINISTER Anwar Ibrahim has rejected accusations that Sabah has been sidelined by the federal government, saying RM14 billion in development projects proves his administration’s commitment to the state.
Anwar acknowledged public frustration over Sabah’s long-standing infrastructure and development gaps but insisted his government is making real progress.
“I do not want to be a Prime Minister who forgets about the lives of the people, their struggles, and their poverty. I am trying my very best,” he said during the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat programme held at the Dataran Tawau on Sunday.
He pointed to 144 projects worth RM14 billion already underway in Sabah, including upgrades to Tawau Hospital, Lahad Datu Prison, and Sepanggar Container Port.
Anwar also addressed the delayed Pan Borneo Highway, describing it as a project that had “stalled for too long”. He assured Sabahans that it would move forward under his administration.
“Billions of ringgit have already been allocated. The project must continue. We cannot let political distractions stop us from delivering for the people,” he said.
Anwar announced that the government has approved an additional RM10 million to upgrade and maintain small shops and stalls across Sabah under the Projek Siap Tamu Sabah initiative, aimed at supporting rural entrepreneurs, particularly women.
He also launched the Solar Madani programme with a pilot project in Tawau involving 40 solar-powered streetlights.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with UniMAP and local communities, is designed to enhance public safety, especially in rural and remote areas.
Anwar said the Solar Madani initiative is part of a RM350 million national effort to install and maintain village streetlights across Malaysia.
“This programme not only saves costs by using green energy but also involves the community in caring for shared facilities,” Anwar said.
Anwar also took swipe at political opponents who, he said, are now critical after failing to deliver while in power.
“When they have power, they forget about the people. When they lose power, suddenly they start shouting that Malays and Islam are under threat. You had the power before—what did you do with it?” he said.
He called on all leaders to focus on serving the people, not dividing them.
“Sabah has great potential. If it is managed properly, with its resources and investor interest, Sabah will rise as one of the most developed states in Malaysia,” Anwar added.
Anwar said his administration is cleaning up government institutions by removing officials who betray public trust.
“We have to fix and clean up the attitude of people who betray their trust. Leadership must be responsible and accountable at every level,” he said.
On international challenges, Anwar addressed new US tariffs on Malaysian exports such as semiconductors and furniture, confirming that negotiations are underway with US officials.
“We’ve made some progress, but we need to stay vigilant,” he said.
While acknowledging that more work lies ahead, Anwar asked Sabahans to judge his government based on concrete efforts, not political noise.
“I’m not saying we have done enough. We haven’t. But the problems we inherited over decades cannot be solved in just one or two years,” he said.
He ended with a call for unity and a focus on building Sabah’s future.
“Let’s not waste time on petty quarrels. Let’s build together. Sabah is not just part of Malaysia’s story. Sabah can lead it,” he said. - May 11, 2025
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