TUARAN – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a press release urging candidates in the upcoming Sabah election to prioritise constructive relations with the Federal Government.
The statement, released ahead of the 17th state election, emphasised that cooperation between Putrajaya and Sabah is essential to address pressing challenges, particularly in infrastructure and economic development.
Anwar noted that leaders who foster hostility risk undermining progress, stressing that divisive politics ultimately benefits no one.
“We must choose candidates who want to continue to maintain good relations with the Federal Government so that all problems in the state of Sabah, especially, can be addressed and given priority together,” the press release stated.
The call for unity comes as caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor prepares to defend his Sulaman seat.
Hajiji, who has represented the constituency for eight terms, faces a five-way contest against candidates from Barisan Nasional, Parti Warisan, Parti Impian Sabah, and Perikatan Nasional.
Hajiji has consistently highlighted his record in Sulaman, pointing to housing projects, road upgrades, and community initiatives as evidence of development under his leadership.
He has rejected opposition claims of neglect, insisting that improvements have been delivered across Tuaran and surrounding areas.
The broader issue of federal-state cooperation remains central to Sabah’s political discourse. Anwar’s statement also touched on Sabah’s pursuit of rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the long-standing 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said recently reinforced this view, stressing that no state can act alone in securing such entitlements and that collaboration with the Federal Government is vital.
While some critics allege that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is overly influenced by Putrajaya, Hajiji has dismissed these claims as unfounded.
He maintains that Sabah must negotiate firmly for its rights but insists that maintaining a strong working relationship with national leaders is crucial for progress.
With campaigning intensifying, Anwar’s press release underscores a key theme in Sabah politics: balancing local aspirations with national cooperation.
Voters will decide on 29 November whether this message resonates with their vision for the state’s future.
