SABAH’S position as the state receiving the largest number of new schools under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13) has been recast by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as evidence that the government’s development agenda predates the electoral calendar.
Speaking in Petagas during the PM Sayang Sabah programme, he framed the extensive school-building effort as part of a longer-term strategy shaped by need rather than political opportunism.
“I am talking about schools. In our budget, under RMK13, the state receiving the most new schools compared with all other states in Malaysia is Sabah.
This is because of need, that is why we are doing it. It is not because of the election; this plan was made long before the election,” he said, underscoring that the policy was never intended as a campaign inducement.
Anwar said that a cooperative relationship between Putrajaya and Sabah was indispensable for sustained development, warning that political antagonism would only impede progress. “Why should we be enemies? I did not come here for wealth.
My colleagues and I want to ensure that Malaysia is peaceful, strong and emerges as a new economic force. What is more important are the people: the unemployed, the poor, those without homes, those whose schools are not in good condition. That is our responsibility,” he said.
He pressed his wider argument for unity, denouncing racial incitement as corrosive to national stability and Malaysia’s credibility abroad.
“Do not follow anger, do not follow racial sentiments… the country will not be safe if everyone only defends their own race. What matters is that we protect peace, that all communities work together and support those with a good record of service,” he said.
Acknowledging the day-to-day frustrations faced by Sabahans, Anwar spoke at length about the state’s long-running infrastructure challenges.
He shared a recent exchange with officials preparing for his journey to Tulid. “Pothole-ridden roads — do you think I am proud? I stopped to look at the road. Tomorrow I want to go to Tulid. The officer said it takes 60 minutes, but then he asked, is the PM taking that road? I said yes, but there are many potholes — can I withstand it? My back is not very strong. Do you think I am proud? Am I proud hearing such things? We must find a solution.”
He said the Federal Government had increased allocations for essential upgrades, adding: “How much for water? RM1 billion… Next year, God willing, by 2026, Sabah’s water problems will be resolved.”
Turning to the political stakes, the Prime Minister appealed for support for Pakatan Harapan candidates, including Awang Husaini Sahari in Petagas, arguing that functional cooperation between the state and federal administrations was vital for effective delivery.
He reminded voters that PH, though contesting fewer seats, remained an essential check and partner in governance.
“We want the state government to work together and scrutinise (all development), as we (the federal government) are doing with the current state government. No more petty matters,” he said at a separate event with the Chinese community, attended by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
Anwar also urged Sabah to seize the opportunity to build a “New Sabah”, saying he frequently highlights the potential of Sabah and Sarawak in international engagements.
“That is why cooperation between the Federal Government and the State is important,” he said, adding that global investors were increasingly attentive to Malaysia because of its social cohesion.
He cautioned Malaysians not to take that harmony for granted. “Not many countries can live peacefully like this (Malaysia).
“Please protect this unity for our children. You can criticise, you can act like a hero. Whatever is lacking, speak and discuss it properly. We must work together because this state needs stability,” he said.
Anwar noted that Malaysia’s improved global standing stemmed from political stability and responsible economic management.
The MADANI Government, he said, was strengthening ties with China, the United States, African nations and European partners to widen economic opportunities for Malaysia and Sabah.
“We are a small country but now, people look at us, people respect us. Why do they respect us? Because this country is peaceful, because the economy is good and politics are stable,” he said.
He added that several world leaders had recently contacted him directly.
“Yesterday, several world leaders contacted me — Cambodia, Thailand, the United States. I did not ask them to call. They called us. This shows their respect for Malaysia. That is what we must remember as we work to lift our economy,” he said. - November 16, 2025
