Latest news with #SabahStateElection


The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Govt pays attention to state requests in determining 13MP project priority
PENAMPANG: The Federal Government always takes into consideration the needs and requests of all states in determining the priority of projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He explained that the priority of projects could not be determined solely by the Federal Government and, instead, is jointly decided with the state governments after their requests are heard and attended to by the Federal leadership. Citing Sabah, Anwar said that in almost every working visit he has made to the state, meetings or gatherings are held between leaders and senior federal and state officials to directly discuss requests from the state government. 'I'm not saying that 13MP (projects) do not take place, previously there are requests which are vetted by the Federal ministries... now no more, (as) requests are made directly (at meetings) chaired by the Prime Minister, there are Chief Ministers, there are state ministers. 'We listen and pay attention directly. Frankly, this only happens because of uniformity, (as well as) good and close relationships due to mutual trust,' he said when officiating the Sabah state-level Kaamatan Festival celebration here today. The event, held at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, 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 Sabah government for their openness to cooperating with the leaders and Federal government in a bid to develop and elevate the dignity of Malaysia and Sabah. 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 everyone not to raise issues that can erode that good relationship simply for political mileage, especially ahead of the Sabah State Election. 'In the battle leading up to this election... leaders who have led before, who were together, sometimes forget just to 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 many diversity and differences, but this must be seen as a strength for Malaysia as a country for the wellbeing of its people. 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 ruin. '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.


The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Anwar: State needs prioritised in 13MP projects
PENAMPANG: The Federal Government always takes into consideration the needs and requests of all states in determining the priority of projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He explained that the priority of projects could not be determined solely by the Federal Government and, instead, is jointly decided with the state governments after their requests are heard and attended to by the Federal leadership. Citing Sabah, Anwar said that in almost every working visit he has made to the state, meetings or gatherings are held between leaders and senior federal and state officials to directly discuss requests from the state government. 'I'm not saying that 13MP (projects) do not take place, previously there are requests which are vetted by the Federal ministries... now no more, (as) requests are made directly (at meetings) chaired by the Prime Minister, there are Chief Ministers, there are state ministers. 'We listen and pay attention directly. Frankly, this only happens because of uniformity, (as well as) good and close relationships due to mutual trust,' he said when officiating the Sabah state-level Kaamatan Festival celebration here today. The event, held at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, 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 Sabah government for their openness to cooperating with the leaders and Federal government in a bid to develop and elevate the dignity of Malaysia and Sabah. 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 everyone not to raise issues that can erode that good relationship simply for political mileage, especially ahead of the Sabah State Election. 'In the battle leading up to this election... leaders who have led before, who were together, sometimes forget just to 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 many diversity and differences, but this must be seen as a strength for Malaysia as a country for the wellbeing of its people. 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 ruin. '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.

Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
PKR kicks off new term with focus on public's burden, Sabah state election battle plan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — The first meeting of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Political Bureau for the 2025/2028 session held yesterday focused on the implementation of policies introduced by the executive and their impact on the people's cost of living. First meeting of PKR political bureau focuses on cost of living, prep for Sabah state election KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — The first meeting of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Political Bureau for the 2025/2028 session held yesterday focused on the implementation of policies introduced by the executive and their impact on the people's cost of living. The PKR Political Bureau said in a statement that the meeting, chaired by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also scrutinised follow-up steps to ensure that the people's welfare always remained as the party's main priority. 'Discussions also touched on the Sabah State Election, which will be held soon. The party's current focus is to ensure readiness in facing the polls. 'The deputy president and all vice-presidents have been given specific tasks to ensure the victory of the party and its partners in the Madani Unity Government,' the statement said yesterday. In addition, to ensure the continuity of election preparations, former chairman of the Sabah State Leadership Council (MPN) Mustapha Sakmud will continue his duties in the role while awaiting the appointment of the new MPN leadership. 'Datuk Peto Galim will also continue his responsibilities as director of the Sabah State Election Committee,' according to the bureau. The statement also said that the meeting decided that in the interim, Fuziah Salleh and William Leong will continue their duties as secretary-general and treasurer-general, respectively, until the new leadership is appointed in the upcoming Central Leadership Council meeting. Last Saturday, Anwar expressed confidence that the new leadership would be able to elevate the party to greater heights. — Bernama The PKR Political Bureau said in a statement that the meeting, chaired by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also scrutinised follow-up steps to ensure that the people's welfare always remained as the party's main priority. 'Discussions also touched on the Sabah State Election, which will be held soon. The party's current focus is to ensure readiness in facing the polls. 'The deputy president and all vice-presidents have been given specific tasks to ensure the victory of the party and its partners in the Madani Unity Government,' the statement said yesterday. In addition, to ensure the continuity of election preparations, former chairman of the Sabah State Leadership Council (MPN) Mustapha Sakmud will continue his duties in the role while awaiting the appointment of the new MPN leadership. 'Datuk Peto Galim will also continue his responsibilities as director of the Sabah State Election Committee,' according to the bureau. The statement also said that the meeting decided that in the interim, Fuziah Salleh and William Leong will continue their duties as secretary-general and treasurer-general, respectively, until the new leadership is appointed in the upcoming Central Leadership Council meeting. Last Saturday, Anwar expressed confidence that the new leadership would be able to elevate the party to greater heights. — Bernama


The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Federal-Sabah ties must be close, built on mutual trust
KOTA KINABALU: 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. 'But to use the opportunity to defend the fate of the people. This is the government that must be upheld and supported for our people,' he said. Anwar said the Federal government has proven its commitment to defending Sabah's rights, especially in addressing the issue of the Sulu group's claim, which was successfully repelled and overcome, thus upholding the dignity of the state as part of Malaysia. 'We gave our full commitment in the Cabinet meeting, and even in the recent ASEAN summit, we managed to ensure that Sabah's issues are always prioritised,' he said. Asked about PH's cooperation strategy in the Sabah State Election (PRN), Anwar, who is also PH Chairman, said that Sabah PH is currently holding discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN). 'Let Sabah PH decide; they are negotiating with GRS and negotiating with Sabah BN. These Sabah PH leaders will come forward and coordinate. Right now, it seems that all meetings are progressing, and we don't anticipate any problems,' he said.


The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar urges stronger Federal-Sabah ties for progress
KOTA KINABALU: 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. 'But to use the opportunity to defend the fate of the people. This is the government that must be upheld and supported for our people,' he said. Anwar said the Federal government has proven its commitment to defending Sabah's rights, especially in addressing the issue of the Sulu group's claim, which was successfully repelled and overcome, thus upholding the dignity of the state as part of Malaysia. 'We gave our full commitment in the Cabinet meeting, and even in the recent ASEAN summit, we managed to ensure that Sabah's issues are always prioritised,' he said. Asked about PH's cooperation strategy in the Sabah State Election (PRN), Anwar, who is also PH Chairman, said that Sabah PH is currently holding discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN). 'Let Sabah PH decide; they are negotiating with GRS and negotiating with Sabah BN. These Sabah PH leaders will come forward and coordinate. Right now, it seems that all meetings are progressing, and we don't anticipate any problems,' he said.