Gov't Bent On Safeguarding Sabah's Rights – Anwar

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The Federal Government remains determined to safeguard Sabah's rights as the state is an integral part of Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asserted.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day here today, Anwar said the Federal Government will also continue to safeguard the nation's sovereignty against any form of intrusion, whether on land or at sea.

He further emphasised that Malaysia is prepared to bring matters concerning Sabah’s rights and the country’s sovereignty to international court proceedings if necessary.

“Why are we doing this? Because this is our country — Sabah is part of Malaysia. We are spending tens of millions of Ringgit, maybe a hundred million Ringgit, to defend our rights. We will not allow even an inch of our land or sea to be encroached upon.

“Wherever it may be — in the Spanish courts or internationally — we will fight to the maximum to defend Sabah’s rights because Sabah is part of Malaysia,” he said.

Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and his deputy Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

Anwar said the MADANI Government is committed to driving Sabah’s development and resolving demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through various initiatives and allocations, stressing that the relationship between the state and Federal Governments must remain strong.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said among the resolved matters is the interim special grant for Sabah, which has been increased from RM300 million to RM600 million this year, along with an allocation of RM10 billion to complete the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah.

“It ( Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah) was delayed under the previous government, but we are continuing it under the responsibility of the Federal Government. Maybe it’s not visible yet, not completed, but at least we’ve approved it and the work packages are in progress,” he said.

On utilities, Anwar said the Federal Government has given full authority over electricity supply management to the state government, along with continuous subsidies for seven years until 2030 amounting to RM3.54 billion.

To address the ongoing water supply issues, the Federal Government has approved an allocation of RM300 million, in addition to handing over projects worth under RM50 million to the state administration.

-- BERNAMA