Latest news with #PHSabah
Borneo Post
16 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Upko Youth welcomes full trust in PH Sabah, vows support for state polls
Felix KOTA KINABALU (June 4): The decision by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to grant full autonomy to Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership ahead of the upcoming state election (PRN) is seen as timely and appropriate. UPKO Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said the move reflects the federal coalition's confidence in the capabilities and political maturity of PH Sabah under the leadership of its chairman, Datuk Ewon Benedick. He said the decision acknowledges the importance of allowing local leaders to devise strategies based on the political landscape and sentiments of Sabahans. 'This strategic autonomy approach not only strengthens the party's grassroots machinery but also facilitates negotiations among component parties on seat distribution and field cooperation,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. 'Sabah's political context is distinct and complex. The mandate given to PH Sabah allows for more inclusive, localised and targeted strategies. 'Our focus is on Sabah's development, improving rural infrastructure, tackling poverty, and safeguarding the state's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' he added. Felix said the recent official meeting between Anwar and the PH Sabah leadership marked a significant milestone in state-level political cooperation. 'With the mandate, Ewon is now positioned to drive strategic partnerships among coalition parties in Sabah. 'I am confident he will be able to coordinate preparations for the PRN, including negotiations with allies and campaign planning,' he said. As Sabah Harapan Youth leader, Felix said he would fully support the initiative and work to engage young voters while continuing to advocate for the rights of Sabahans. 'Youth will play a vital role in outreach efforts. We are ready to work with any party that respects and upholds Sabah's rights. 'This initiative aims to strengthen PH's position in Sabah ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested state election, with priority given to development, state autonomy, and the people's welfare,' he said.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PM: PH Sabah to decide priorities, strategy
Anwar (seated centre) and PH Sabah leaders at the press conference. KOTA KINABALU (May 30): Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah will lead in determining its own direction, priorities and strategy for the upcoming state election, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with PH Sabah leaders here on Thursday night, Anwar said his visits to Sabah are not to dictate, but to listen and understand the views of PH leaders in the state. 'Our view is that when I come, I take the opportunity to listen. The view of PH Sabah will determine the priority, strategy, manifesto and areas in consultation with friends such as GRS or BN and then we decide,' he said. Anwar explained that full control of election planning in the state has been entrusted to PH Sabah, in line with his belief in local autonomy and trust-based collaboration. 'Our decision is to hand over control of the election to PH Sabah. Why? Because I believe that if we want to defend the future of the state and its people, the relationship between PH Sabah and the people must be close, based on mutual trust,' he said. He added that Sabah should emulate the improving relationship between the Federal Government and Sarawak, which has led to better outcomes in terms of development and federal-state cooperation. 'That is why I urge the people of Sabah to think about this. There must be a stronger network between PH Sabah and the Sabah government,' he said. Anwar also reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), pointing to significant progress made over the past two years. 'We gave priority to MA63 through the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof and all the Sabah and Sarawak ministers. This is proof of our commitment. That's why we managed to solve nine major issues that had been outstanding for decades,' he said. 'For me, transparency and governance are essential. This is not about fighting for personal gain, but about defending the future of the state. We are also the government that stood firm on Sabah's sovereignty in the Sulu claim. We spent a great deal to defend the dignity of our nation,' Anwar said. He pointed out that Malaysia's position on Sabah was also successfully defended during recent ASEAN engagements, thanks to strong representation from Malaysian officials. Turning his attention back to the state election, Anwar said that PH Sabah has four key leaders who will lead the decision-making process. Anwar also shared that he had met with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to offer his support for the direction each respective coalition had agreed upon. 'We support what PH Sabah wants. We also support what BN wants,' he said, adding that the room for communication remained open. 'In any political engagement, the space to discuss matters must never be closed. What we want is a stable political landscape and a close relationship between federal and state leaders,' Anwar said.
