CLOSE cooperation between the state and federal governments is important to ensure the development of better public facilities including the construction of hospitals for the people of Sabah, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In this regard, he said, the election of representatives who truly care for the interests of the people and understand the problems faced by the community is an important factor in ensuring sustainable development.
The Prime Minister said this when speaking at the launch of the new building block of Tawau Hospital today which was also attended by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Anwar said that the Madani government's national development framework prioritizes education and health as the most important sectors, unlike many other countries which focus more on defense and mega projects.
"Many other countries focus on defense or other aspects, mega projects, tall buildings or long bridges that are proud of, but in the Madani government, we focus on two most important aspects, namely education and health," he said,
Anwar also announced an addition of up to 150 new beds at Tawau Hospital to accommodate the increasing number of patients in the district.
The move will increase the total number of beds at the hospital from 585 to over 700 beds.
"Although it now has over 500 beds and with the addition of a new block that almost resembles a full hospital, the facilities are still not sufficient.
"Therefore, I ask that the capacity be increased by around 100 to 150 more beds. If it is not ready, I hope the hospital director and the ministry can look into and find the best way to increase these facilities," he said.
The new block of Tawau Hospital was built at a cost of RM223.6 million and the facility includes six operating rooms, an Emergency and Trauma Department, a Specialist Clinic, an Outpatient Pharmacy, as well as shared spaces such as an auditorium and seminar rooms.
Anwar also touched on the issue of contract doctors which he said was inherited from the previous government but the Madani Government is close to solving the problem involving 10,000 doctors.
"… I am grateful that with the help of the Ministry of Health and the Public Service Department, we have resolved almost the entire problem of contract doctors that was previously a source of contention, as well as the issue of allowances," he said. – November 10, 2025
