KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA November 15, 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fulfilling Sabah’s rights without diminishing the contributions of the state’s previous leaders, while announcing a special allocation of RM17 billion to address basic infrastructure issues in the state.
Anwar’s official visit to Sabah today began with the “Temu Anwar: Harapan Urang Muda Sabah” program at the Sabah International Convention Centre (ITCC) in Penampang. The event provided a platform for dialogue between the national leader and local youth as well as the surrounding community, where Anwar emphasized that the government no longer wants the people of Sabah to be shackled by long-standing problems such as inconsistent water supply, power outages, pothole-ridden roads, and weak internet coverage.
“I have stated that the Government has allocated RM17 billion specifically for Sabah this year because we are no longer willing to see the people of Sabah continue to be burdened by issues of water, electricity, pothole roads, and weak internet coverage,” said Anwar in his statement to the audience.
He also addressed the issue of Sabah’s Special Grant based on 40 percent of revenue, which has been a hot topic among the state’s residents. Anwar clarified that the Federal Government is not appealing against Sabah’s rights, but instead will commence implementation negotiations with the Sabah Government starting next Monday.
“What is being appealed is only the serious allegations in the Judgment Reasons against all Federal and State Governments since 1974, including Sabah’s great leaders. The MADANI Government will fulfill Sabah’s rights without belittling the services of those who have served,” he added.
Anwar urged the youth of Sabah to cling to facts and not be influenced by “twisted narratives” from politicians who failed to resolve problems during their tenure but are now trying to portray themselves as champions of the people. “Therefore, the children of Sabah need to hold on to the facts so as not to be influenced by twisted narratives from those who only know politics, who failed to solve problems during their time in power but now try to appear as heroes of the people. We do not engage in cheap politics; we are repairing the damage they left behind,” he said.
He stressed the importance of unity among all races and states not only to defend Sabah’s rights but also to elevate Malaysia’s dignity as a whole. “With the unity of all races and all states, we not only defend Sabah’s rights but also raise Malaysia’s dignity to a higher level, Insya-Allah,” Anwar concluded.
The visit is expected to continue throughout the day with a series of other events, including visits to major development projects in Sabah. The response from program participants today has been very positive, with many young people voicing hopes for concrete changes in the near future.
