PM Anwar Ibrahim called for political stability and stronger cooperation between the Federal and Sabah governments, saying development and economic growth should take precedence over prolonged political disputes.
He said investor confidence depended heavily on a stable political environment and a government’s ability to focus on delivering development.
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“If there is no stability, people will not invest. If there is no stability, it becomes difficult to focus on development,” he said.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia’s political stability and ability to maintain good relations with countries across different regions had contributed to stronger international confidence in the country.
He said Malaysia maintained positive ties with major powers including the United States and China while preserving a stable domestic environment.
“They see us as a country whose politics are stable,” he said.
Anwar also voiced support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s administration, saying close cooperation between Putrajaya and the Sabah government was essential to ensure development projects could be implemented effectively.
“I think enough of us quarrelling over many issues. The country’s politics must remain stable,” he said, adding he was seeking understanding from Sabahans on the importance of maintaining strong ties between the state and Federal governments.
“I ask the people of Sabah to continue giving their cooperation so that relations between Sabah and the Federal Government remain strong,” he said.
He dismissed criticism over development spending in Sabah and Sarawak, saying some lawmakers in peninsula did not fully understand the challenges faced by the two Bornean states.
He said critics often questioned why development expenditure in Sabah and Sarawak was higher without appreciating the realities on the ground.
“They have not travelled through the roads, highways and areas where electricity supply has yet to reach or where water supply remains insufficient.”
Anwar said such realities justified continued investments in infrastructure and public services across both states.
He added that balanced development remained a key principle of the Madani government, particularly in ensuring rural and interior communities were not left behind.
“As long as the benefits do not reach every corner of the state, from rapidly developing cities to the most remote districts, development will not truly benefit the people on the ground,” he said.
