Anwar rebukes ‘divisive' leaders in Sabah who stoke conflict with Putrajaya

Free Malaysia Today

11-05-2025

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Sabah has the potential to become a developed state through close cooperation between the federal and state governments. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rebuked high-ranking leaders, including MPs, who often speak of developing Sabah through confrontation with Putrajaya.
Without naming names, he said they raise issues like defending the Malays, Islam being under threat and the state being neglected once they lose power, Bernama reported.
'The peninsula, Sarawak and Sabah will not progress if we do not unite and work together to uplift this nation.
'You had power before. Do what you can while you still have it. I challenge all my colleagues in power now to do your best for the people while you still have their mandate,' he was quoted as saying at an event in Tawau.
Anwar said Sabah has the potential to become a developed state through close cooperation between the federal and state governments.
He said it was normal for any state to request allocations for development, and such matters could be discussed amicably and harmoniously between governments.
'This is normal, but not through hostility or condemnation. We can negotiate and find good solutions. We need elected representatives who can voice our interests, not divide us,' he said.
Anwar added that all leaders, at both the federal and state levels, must do their best to safeguard the people's welfare and solve their problems, rather than follow in the footsteps of leaders who only know how to condemn others after losing power.
'Look at other countries. Every day there is news of division between races, between regions, between religions.
'Why? Because leaders incite division, but when they have power, they do not think about the people,' he said.
Anwar said Sabahans were affected by many issues, including water and electricity supply, healthcare, roads and education facilities.
He said, as such, facilities such as schools, clinics and key projects like the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah must be completed properly and not be allowed to face unnecessary delays.
'How long has the Pan Borneo Highway (in Sabah) been stuck? It's nearly completed in Sarawak, but in Sabah, it was severely delayed.
'Thankfully, we have chief minister Hajiji Noor who said: 'Just proceed, don't worry about other problems',' he said.