Don’t politicize the issue, government open to discuss additional funding for Sabah, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is ready and open to discussing additional federal funding for Sabah, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

However, he urged that the issue of funding should not be politicized.

“Do not politicize this matter. If you want more, let’s discuss it properly.

“We are willing to provide additional funds, but let’s not turn it into a political contest,” he told the media after having lunch and mingling with customers and vendors at Medan Selera Tanglin, Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar made these comments in response to a statement from Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, who claimed that Anwar’s remarks regarding federal funding for Sabah were misleading.

Anwar clarified that the RM16 billion allocated to Sabah, announced during the Pesta Kaamatan on May 31, was solely for development purposes.

“Read carefully; the total is over RM16 billion, not including several other matters.

“When you were in power, you stayed silent and just went along.

“I want to ask, what did you do while you were in power?” he said.

On May 31, during his speech closing the Pesta Kaamatan 2024 in Penampang, Anwar mentioned that since becoming Prime Minister, he has consistently worked to increase the allocation for Sabah to help its people, raising it from RM12.9 billion in 2022 to RM16 billion this year.

Anwar added that last year, the federal government allocated RM13.9 billion to the state, demonstrating his commitment through close cooperation with Hajiji, the state government, and other coalition government partners.