Latest news with #Sabah-level
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asking nicely will take you far, PM reminds state leaders
KOTA KINABALU: Harsh words and raised voices will not benefit anyone when making requests from the Federal Government, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said that when fighting for state rights or asking for allocations, those who choose to work with Putrajaya and discuss matters calmly can achieve much. 'For example, in the PETRONAS and Petros Sarawak issue, we discussed things properly with Abang Jo (Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg) and came to a solution,' he said at the Sabah-level Kaamatan celebration in Penampang on Friday (May 30). He said this was also the same on the international stage, where Malaysia aims to be friends with as many nations as possible for mutual benefit. ALSO READ: Govt listens to states' needs in setting 13MP priorities, says PM He said the Federal Government has no intention of stopping any state from acting in its own interests, and has no issue giving Sabah and Sarawak more in terms of revenue, including for oil and gas. 'However, we should discuss it and have close working relations rather than try to win an argument by shouting or cursing here and there," he added. Earlier, Anwar said the government would always listen to views and requests from states, be it for infrastructure or socio-economic development. He pointed out that close ties between Sabah and Putrajaya would bring more benefits than difficulties. 'This is not about (the upcoming state) election but about our shared responsibility and to protect our harmony. State-federal relations must be maintained,' he added.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: I am not a dictator
PENAMPANG: While stressing the need for an all-out war against corruption, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made it clear that he is not a dictator. He said that any prosecution related to alleged corruption can only be carried out based on evidence and in accordance with procedures, and not on arbitrary instructions. "I am not a dictator who orders immediate arrests. "I do not want to be a prime minister who says 'Oh, we must arrest' or 'we must prosecute'. "The fact is, the fight against corruption must be conducted at all levels," he said during the launch of the Sabah-level Kaamatan Festival celebration at Hongkod Koisaan Hall here today. Present was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Anwar said while he holds the responsibility of maintaining peace and upholding the rule of law, that does not mean he would resort to prosecution without thorough investigation and evidence. He also addressed a viral video linking a federal minister and a state assemblyman to a mining prospect scandal, acknowledging public concern over the issue. "I want to be transparent. What is the point of only saying things people want to hear? "When the issue escalated, I raised the matter with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. "Some people question why I haven't intervened, suggesting I am attempting to cover up allegations of corruption. "But we are not a country governed by perception. Matters like these cannot be handled based on rumours, accusations or slander," he said, adding that a comprehensive investigation is underway. Anwar also urged leaders in Sabah and local communities to work closely with the federal government to safeguard national sovereignty, improve socio-economic development, and protect the rights and welfare of the people.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Govt listens to states' needs in setting 13MP priorities, says PM
PENAMPANG: The Federal Government takes the needs and requests of all states into consideration when determining project priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) . He said priorities could not be determined solely by Putrajaya but jointly decided with state governments after the federal leadership hears and attends to their requests. Citing Sabah, Anwar said that in almost every working visit he has made to the state, meetings or gatherings are held between senior officials to directly discuss requests from the state government. ALSO READ: Anwar calls for bold education reforms ahead of 13th Malaysia Plan "Requests are made directly (at meetings) chaired by the Prime Minister, (with) chief ministers, state ministers attending. "We listen and pay attention directly. Frankly, this only happens because of uniformity, (as well as) good and close relationships stemming from mutual trust,' he said when officiating the Sabah-level Kaamatan Festival celebration here on Friday (May 30). The event, held at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan in the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), was also attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Anwar also expressed his gratitude to Hajiji and the state government for their openness to cooperate with Putrajaya in developing and elevating Sabah and the nation. ALSO READ: Rafizi: 13MP to close gap, local govts must play their part The Prime Minister emphasised that the spirit to strengthen Sabah must be nurtured through the strong unity between the Federal and state governments within the framework of the Federation. As such, he reminded all quarters not to raise issues that can erode that good relationship simply for political mileage, especially ahead of the Sabah elections due this year. "In the battle leading up to this election… leaders who have led before, who were together, sometimes ... ramp up the political atmosphere, raising issues that erode confidence in the country… this is not healthy,' he said. Anwar said the Federal Government and the states, particularly Sabah and Sarawak, have much diversity and some differences, but this must be seen as a strength for Malaysia as a whole. ALSO READ: Sabah seeks RM800mil for comprehensive flood prevention under 13MP He said that when Malaysia was established, "Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu' (Unity is Strength) was chosen as the national motto to illustrate the importance of togetherness in diversity in strengthening the country. "Diversity can also be destructive, where there are countries in this world which initially embraced a multiracial and multi-religious society, but later experienced hostility between races, religions and regions. Which nation can be successful like that, everything will end up in ruins. "So, no matter how difficult it is, any sensible leader in a political campaign to fight for the post of state assemblyman or Member of Parliament must remember never to sacrifice the state or country,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
I'm not the kind of PM who orders arrests like a dictator, Anwar says of Sabah mining scandal claims
Anwar arriving at the KDCA in Penampang to officiate Kaamatan. KOTA KINABALU: Prosecution of any alleged corruption can only be done with proof and according to procedure, not ordered arbitrarily, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'I don't want to be a Prime Minister who is like, 'Oh, we must arrest' or 'Oh, we must charge'," he said when officiating the Sabah-level Kaamatan celebration in Penampang near here on Friday (May 30). "I am not a dictator who (orders) arrests immediately,' he stressed, adding that the fight against corruption must be waged at all levels. He said he has a duty to maintain peace and uphold the law, but not to the extent of prosecuting without investigations and proof. Anwar was commenting on the so-called "whistleblower videos" implicating state ministers and assemblymen in a mining prospecting scandal. ALSO READ: MACC to review alleged full, unedited Sabah corruption scandal videos 'I want to be straightforward. What's the use of only saying nice things that sound good? I did not want to get involved (at first, when) those videos... were circulated. 'But when things grew hotter, of course I asked the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) about it,' he said, adding that a thorough investigation was ongoing. He said people questioning why he did not intervene had made it sound like he was trying to cover up the alleged graft. 'We are not a country of perception. These things cannot be handled based on perception, accusation and slander,' Anwar said. ALSO READ: 'Whistleblower' videos will be a factor in Sabah polls, says Bersatu's Kiandee As Malaysia is a nation that works on the law, Anwar said videos released in bits and pieces could not be used to charge people without proper investigations carried out and referred to prosecutors, who would then decide. During the event, Anwar urged state leaders and the community to work closely with the Federal Government to uphold sovereignty, boost socio-economic development, and fight for rights as well as other matters related to the people's well-being.
Daily Express
07-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sabah sees drop in TB, leprosy cases this year
Published on: Wednesday, May 07, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 07, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Tang and Maria during the launching ceremony. - Pic by Mardinah Jikur | Daily Express SANDAKAN: Sabah has recorded a drop in tuberculosis (TB) cases this year compared to last year. State Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman said 6,099 TB cases were reported last year, while 1,993 cases were recorded up to epidemiological week 18 this year. She added that 35 leprosy cases were also recorded during the same period this year, compared to 57 cases last year, marking a 61 per cent decrease. Maria said the State Health Department continues to run awareness programmes to educate the public on TB and leprosy. She was speaking at a press conference after the Sabah-level World TB and Leprosy Day celebration in Dewan PPR Taman Harmoni, officiated by Sandakan Parliamentary Coordinator Tang Tzu Ching. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
