KOTA KINABALU – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a warm welcome from thousands of attendees at the Kaamatan Harvest Festival closing ceremony in Penampang today.
During his speech at the KDCA Hall, he brought up the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), saying that most of the issues are being resolved by the federal unity government six months into the job with the help of the Sabah government.
“Since we took over as government, among our priorities is to resolve this decades-old problem. Each time I came to Sabah, there were endless talks on MA63.
“What is MA63? This is a deal and pledge signed by Malaysia’s founding fathers. It is our responsibility to implement the promises with a sense of loyalty (to our founding fathers) and sincerity.”
He added that this will not be the last time he will attend the Kaamatan Harvest Festival, adding that he will also be in Sarawak for the Gawai Harvest Festival next week.
“Malaysia is great as long as its people, starting from its leaders, practice openness, respect and tolerance in appreciating differences.”
He said that he has plans to visit Sabah more often as the state has issues, such as bad road conditions, water supply disruptions, and those related to education and health.
Anwar has visited Sabah thrice since becoming prime minister in November last year.
Also present were Hajiji and Sabah governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
Anwar is scheduled to visit the Lok Kawi army camp, and meet the people in Papar as well as the youth in Universiti Malaysia Sabah today.
In 2016, then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak attended the opening of the Kaamatan Harvest Festival. – The Vibes, May 31, 2023