Kota kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that his presence in Sabah is not to gain personal profit, but rather to fulfil the trust of safeguarding the rights and future of the people of the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that throughout more than a decade of holding various positions in the government, including the period before becoming Prime Minister, he maintained governance principles based on integrity. He stated that he had never profited in Sabah, reaffirming his commitment to the people. “I have been a minister for more than 10 years, but I have never taken a single log from Sabah, I have not taken any contracts, and I have not taken any land… I come to look after the people, to carry out the trust,” he said at the PMX Sayang Sabah Mega Talk in Petagas.
Anwar, who is also the Chairman of Pakatan Harapan (PH), reiterated the MADANI Government’s commitment to Sabah’s development, including the historic decision of returning electricity regulatory control to the state government, adhering to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Despite this power transfer, Sabah’s government faced financial constraints in addressing electricity supply issues, prompting the Federal Government to allocate an additional RM1.2 billion to resolve the problem comprehensively.
He further elaborated on infrastructure improvements, noting that more than 1,000 solar electricity poles have been installed in Sabah’s interior regions through the Solar MADANI initiative. Anwar acknowledged the need for better road infrastructure, sharing his own experiences of driving on potholed roads during visits to the state.
Addressing economic concerns, Anwar pointed to the increase in the minimum wage as evidence of the government’s dedication to enhancing workers’ living standards. The minimum wage, previously RM1,200, has been incrementally raised to RM1,500 and now stands at RM1,700, with potential for further increases contingent on the country’s economic performance.
“If the economic situation is good, I am confident we can raise the salary further,” he asserted, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to economic and social development in Sabah.