SABAH, November 17 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today downplayed the election overlaps between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its unity government partners in Sabah, describing the contests in several seats as “friendly fights” reflective of the state’s complex political landscape. He said such clashes in constituencies like Bandau, Moyog, Kemabong and Karamunting were expected despite ongoing cooperation and seat negotiations among PH, Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Both GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and BN president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi echoed this sentiment, reminding party machinery to avoid hostility and respect unity government ties Speaking in Kota Kinabalu, Anwar also reaffirmed the government’s policy decision to increase parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, although not to the one-third representation requested by leaders in both states.
He said legal advisers at the federal and state levels have been instructed to work on the matter, calling it a significant step in the ongoing Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) negotiations. This marks the first time since 1963 that a prime minister has formally committed to expanding parliamentary representation for the two Bornean states.
Anwar further announced that the government has allocated RM2 billion under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to enhance internet connectivity across Sabah. The funds will support expanded coverage in universities, colleges, and government offices, with projects such as the SALAM submarine cable and JENDELA upgrades already boosting 4G and 5G coverage statewide.
He noted that hundreds of communication towers have been completed, fibre networks expanded, and satellite broadband fully deployed—moves aimed at improving education, public service efficiency and digital accessibility. On the Sabah mining licence scandal, Anwar stressed that no conclusive evidence had emerged against senior state leaders implicated in corruption allegations.
He said accusations based solely on perception or unverifiable videos cannot warrant action without clear proof or formal charges. While two assemblymen and businessman Datuk Albert Tei have been charged, investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) found no definitive findings against others.
Anwar emphasised that he draws a firm line at prosecutable evidence, rejecting political narratives that lack factual backing. The prime minister also dismissed claims linking his allies to land approvals in Sabah, saying immediate checks with Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and MACC showed no truth to such allegations.
He reaffirmed his stance on transparency, stressing that he has “waited decades” for the responsibility of governing and will not allow perceptions of impropriety to taint his administration. Anwar, in Sabah to campaign ahead of the November 29 state polls, underscored his administration’s commitment to integrity, development, and the equitable strengthening of Sabah and Sarawak’s position within the federation.
