Latest news with #SabahPakatanHarapan
The Star
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
'Strategic autonomy' for Sabah Pakatan in state polls a timely move, says Upko leader
KOTA KINABALU: The Prime Minister's decision to let Sabah Pakatan Harapan take the lead in facing the coming state election is a wise and timely move, says Upko. Its Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement asking Sabah Pakatan to take the lead in electoral pact negotiations, among other matters, showed his confidence in the political maturity and capability of the coalition's state leaders. The decision to have Datuk Ewon Benedick leading these negotiations also acknowledges the need to let local leaders strategise based on Sabah's political realities and sentiments, he added in a statement on Wednesday (June 4). ALSO READ: All Pakatan matters on Sabah polls to be handled at state level, says Anwar On Thursday (May 29), Anwar had said Sabah Pakatan would take charge of discussing seat arrangements, forging pacts and other matters related to the state polls. Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. 'Sabah has different, complex political backgrounds and therefore, the decision to allow us to have full (authority) in the coming state election enables us to draw up a more inclusive, localised and focused strategy,' he said. ALSO READ: Anwar meets Sabah PKR leaders amid political shifts He said the main focus was on Sabah's development, strengthening the state and giving more attention to local issues, including rural development, poverty and state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Joseph said Ewon would be able to lead the way in forming strategic partnerships among coalitions. He said youth leaders within Sabah Pakatan will also support all initiatives and plans agreed upon by the leadership while going to the grassroots and actively sharing information on development agendas, policies and related matters.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar urges stronger Federal-Sabah ties built on trust
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the need for stronger federal-state relations with Sabah, built on mutual trust and cooperation, to enhance development and protect the welfare of its people. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, urged Sabah to follow Sarawak's example, where closer federal-state collaboration has yielded tangible benefits. He reiterated Putrajaya's commitment to working with Sabah's leadership on governance and development, ensuring that the state's interests and wellbeing remain a priority. "The federal government has long prioritised Sabah's needs. This isn't about state elections, it's about responsibility," he said after meeting Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders on Thursday night. Anwar reaffirmed that the federal government's concern for Sabah goes beyond electoral considerations. Also present at the meeting were Sabah PH chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also UPKO president, PKR Sabah state leadership council chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmu, and Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Anwar highlighted his administration's commitment to upholding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through a dedicated committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, alongside ministers from Sabah and Sarawak. He said that nine longstanding issues related to MA63 had been successfully resolved, while even complex matters such as oil affairs had been addressed. "We propose the same principle so that assured revenue for Sabah can be achieved. Governance must be prioritised, not personal wealth," Anwar stressed. Anwar underscored the federal government's success in repelling the Sulu group's claim, affirming its commitment to protecting Sabah's sovereignty. "We gave our full commitment in the Cabinet meeting, and even at the recent Asean summit, ensuring Sabah's issues remain a priority," he said. Regarding the Sabah State Election (PRN), Anwar—who is also PH chairman—said Sabah PH is engaged in discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN).
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Hawana: Journalists must remain spirited in their role of advancing nation
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his hope that journalists in Malaysia will remain spirited in their role of advancing the nation, in addition to reporting on the hardship and challenges currently faced by the people. Conveying his appreciation to media practitioners in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (Hawana), the prime minister also emphasised the critical role of journalists in delivering news and information to the public. He said this role includes the duty to support and offer constructive criticism in efforts to develop both states and the country. "I wish all journalists undertaking this extraordinary task a happy occasion. "They play a critical role in reporting the bitter struggles of the people," he said during a press conference after attending a meeting with Sabah Pakatan Harapan leaders last night. Anwar also acknowledged the sacrifices and difficulties journalists endure in fulfilling their professional commitments, urging them to continue their work with full zeal. Hawana is celebrated annually on May 29, and for 2025, the Hawana Summit will be held on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), and scheduled to be officiated by the prime minister. Organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, Hawana will feature various events including a Pantun Festival on May 31, a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, and a media forum jointly organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14. – Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Federal-Sabah Ties Must Be Close, Built On Mutual Trust
KOTA KINABALU, May 29 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stronger ties between the federal government and Sabah, grounded in mutual trust and aimed at advancing the state's development and protecting the welfare of its people. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said Sabah should follow Sarawak's example, where closer federal-state cooperation has shown tangible benefits. He reiterated Putrajaya's commitment to working with Sabah's leadership on governance and development, to further safeguard the state's interests and wellbeing. 'The federal government has long prioritised Sabah's needs. This isn't about state elections, it's about responsibility,' he told reporters after meeting Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders on Thursday night. Anwar added that the federal government has consistently shown concern for Sabah's needs, and the issue goes beyond electoral considerations. Also present were Sabah PH chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also president of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), PKR Sabah State Leadership Council (MPN) chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmu, and Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Anwar said that under his administration, the Federal Government had demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with ministers from Sabah and Sarawak. He said that as a result of that determination, nine key matters which were delayed for decades had been successfully resolved, and even more complex issues such as those concerning oil affairs had been addressed. 'So we propose the same principle so that more assured revenue for Sabah can be achieved. Not misused - for me, continuity and governance are the priorities, not leaders scrambling for wealth for themselves.
Daily Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Free-for-all likely: Joniston
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 Text Size: Joniston (sixth right) officiating the newly-upgraded Poturidong – Tibabar road. Kota Kinabalu: The next Sabah state election could turn into a 'free-for-all' due to disagreements among parties trying to form alliances, said GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The Kiulu assemblyman said his coalition must be prepared for any eventuality, including contesting independently, as indicated by Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'A free-for-all could be a blessing in disguise, as such a scenario would allow Sabahans to choose between a coalition of local parties and those led by Peninsular-based parties,' he said during a meet-the-people session in Kampung Tibabar here. GRS currently leads the state government in partnership with Sabah Pakatan Harapan, while Sabah Barisan Nasional has been in the opposition since withdrawing its support in early 2023. Recently, Hajiji said that GRS was ready and willing to contest the election on its own. This followed an announcement by PH and BN of their pact to work together in the upcoming election, a move many observers described as a deliberate snub to GRS. Bangkuai, who also serves as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief, said GRS has demonstrated that local-based coalitions are capable of delivering meaningful development while maintaining a close working relationship with the federal government. Advertisement He said the GRS-PH state government currently enjoys a cordial working relationship with Putrajaya under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership. He also pointed to the annual federal special grant, which he said increased from RM53 million when Warisan was in power to RM600 million under GRS. 'Another example is the signing of the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) between the GRS-led state government and Petronas, which has shored up the state's revenue,' Bangkuai stated. He reiterated that the current scenario has benefited Sabah, citing increased annual revenue of RM6.9 billion and state reserves close to RM8 billion.'We are not anti-federal, but we believe Sabah must lead itself, with leaders not bound by outside instructions,' he affirmed. 'GRS is proof that Sabah can work maturely with Putrajaya and still prioritise the people of Sabah above all.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
