PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned that political appeals to the “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment risk diverting attention from pressing governance issues and long-standing challenges facing the state.
Speaking ahead of his four-day working visit to South Africa, Anwar said while it is understandable that Sabahans seek leaders from within their own state, such representation must also be capable of delivering tangible results.
“Without commitment and determination from the central leadership, the people will continue to be burdened by unresolved issues. My main concern is the people,” he said.
Anwar emphasised that robust federal–state cooperation remains vital to ensure the state’s development is sustained and that citizens’ needs are met effectively.
He warned against using regional identity alone as a political tool, noting that governance and service delivery must remain the core focus.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Sabah’s upcoming state election offers an opportunity to review and showcase the Federal Government’s accomplishments in the region.
He cited efforts to implement the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as a key example of progress.
“For the past three years, this government has taken every effort to resolve the people’s issues and bring development to Sabah. We will list down what has been achieved,” he said, pointing out that 13 of the 29 MA63-related claims have been classified as resolved, nine of them under the current administration.
Anwar also underscored federal initiatives to accelerate the construction of the Sabah stretch of the Pan Borneo Highway, while steadily addressing critical state infrastructure issues, including water supply and electricity access.
“Sabah rights are important, but they must go hand in hand with effective leadership and delivery. It is not enough to merely claim local representation; leaders must translate that into action for the people,” he said. - November 22, 2025
