Kota Kinabalu: Prime Minister cum PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the party’s 10 candidates for the 17th Sabah Election.
They are son of TYT Tun Musa Aman, Yamani Hafez Musa (Sindumin), Datuk Peto Galim (Inanam), Datin Rufinah Pengeran (Tulid), Awang Husaini Sahari (Petagas), Romansa Lamin (Segama), Abdul Said Pimping (Gum-Gum), Tony Chee (Api-Api), Datuk Ruji Ubi (Merotai), Datuk Jamawi Jaafar (Melalap) and George Hiew (Karamunting).
Each signed a pledge and a RM10 million bond to ensure they uphold the party’s trust. Anwar said this demonstrates full commitment to voters and their constituencies, aiming to form a new state government.
Speaking at the announcement at Sabah International Convention Centre, Sunday, Anwar said Pakatan Harapan (PH) will contest 23 seats in Sabah, stressing that the aim is not just political power, but strong representation to benefit the people through effective state-federal cooperation.
He criticised former federal and state leaders for failing to address longstanding issues such as water supply, neglected school facilities, and poor irrigation systems.
“Some make MA63 and the 40 per cent revenue issue sound like a new problem. Those who were in power before, what did you do?” he asked.
Anwar noted Sabah’s interim special grants had increased from RM57 million to RM600 million, while total state revenue in 2024 reached RM10 billion, with federal spending on infrastructure and security at RM17 billion.
“This is a non-issue. Don’t compare us with the previous government. We’ve delivered,” he said.
He added that he personally chaired meetings with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg on MA63 matters alongside Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Anwar issued a stern warning against corruption and exploitation of state resources.
“There were ministers who took timber and contracts from Sabah. If this happens under my watch, I will remove them.
“Don’t be quick to blame Malaya or the Prime Minister, your old leaders made Sabah lag behind while Sarawak has completed Pan Borneo,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of moving beyond racial politics.
“Parties built on race only divide Malaysians. We want to build a new Sabah that is independent, corruption-free, managed with integrity and focused on the people,” he said.
He urged voters to reject wealthy politicians who neglect essential public services. Yamani expressed surprise and gratitude at being named PKR’s candidate for Sindumin.
He stressed the need for unity and collaboration among party members to serve the people and highlighted the sacrifices made by past leaders.
Jamawi expressed gratitude to the party president and Sabah Chief Minister for trusting him as PKR’s candidate for Melalap.
On his transition from GRS to PH, Jamawi said the candidate selection process was thorough, involving consultations with both coalitions, resulting in mutual agreement without any sense of betrayal.
George said he joined PKR to strengthen cooperation between GRS and PH for better infrastructure and to address perennial issues in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative.
He highlighted his strong grassroots support given the installation of over 1,000 solar lights across three Karamunting villages and responsiveness to community concerns.
George added that beyond a capable chief minister, Sabah needs a concerned prime minister, praising Anwar’s leadership.
George hiew who was with gagasan Rakyat said the move to contest under PKR is to glue GRS and PKR for infrastructure betterment.
