Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the MADANI Contact Ceremony with the people of Sabah on 6 December, alongside state leaders and representatives from various sectors of society.
In his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising Sabah’s development agenda, stressing that sustainability and the well-being of the people remain central to national policy.
He emphasised that Sabah, often referred to as the “State under the Wind,” continues to receive attention in federal planning.
One of the key issues raised was the long-standing demand for 40 percent of Federal revenue to be channelled to Sabah.
Anwar explained that a committee has been tasked with thoroughly reviewing the proposed allocation and determining the appropriate payment schedule. He noted that the process will only be finalised once negotiations between the Federal and State Governments are completed.
The Prime Minister also shared updates from the Cabinet meeting held the previous day, which discussed several new initiatives for Sabah.
These included infrastructure projects and essential services requiring additional funding to accelerate implementation. He stressed that such measures are vital to ensure that development reaches communities across the state without delay.
Anwar expressed appreciation to the Sabah State Government, led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, for its strong cooperation and consensus with the Federal administration. He acknowledged the partnership that has remained firm since the formation of the state government following the recent State Election (PRN).
“The cooperation and continued support for the MADANI Government is very important to ensure that the national development agenda can be continued in an inclusive manner, including in Sabah, without any party being marginalised,” Anwar said.
The ceremony in Kota Kinabalu brought together leaders, officials, and members of the public, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the MADANI framework.
The event underscored the Federal Government’s intention to strengthen ties with Sabah while addressing long-standing demands and accelerating development projects.
Sabah’s development agenda has often centred on infrastructure, healthcare, and education, areas where federal allocations play a crucial role.
The Prime Minister’s remarks highlighted the government’s determination to ensure equitable growth across Malaysia, with Sabah positioned as a key beneficiary of ongoing national initiatives.
