KOTA KINABALU, Sept 17 – The Federal Government is determined to uplift the dignity of all states, particularly those in rural, remote and urban poverty-stricken areas, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar expressed confidence that this commitment can be achieved through collaboration, dialogue and teamwork between federal and state leaders, including those from Sabah and Sarawak.
He acknowledged that every state faces its own challenges, but stressed that the voices of the people from all corners of the nation must be heard to ensure their needs are met.
“For Malaysia to succeed, whoever becomes Prime Minister, minister, or leader must serve all Malaysians, regardless of their background,” he said in his speech at the 2024 National Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka on Monday night.
The event was officiated by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, and attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as well as Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Anwar also assured that he will work tirelessly alongside fellow leaders and the Malaysia Agreement Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) Technical Committee to realise the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Although I acknowledge that there are challenges we must address, I am fortunate that upon assuming the role of Prime Minister, my two trusted friends – the Chief Minister of Sabah (Hajiji) and the Premier of Sarawak (Abang Johari) – have cooperated, communicated openly and provided constructive criticism as friends.
“They have expressed their concerns and demands, but always with the spirit of collaboration to advance our beloved Malaysia. I hope other leaders will draw inspiration from the spirit they have demonstrated,” he said.
Anwar said it would be inaccurate to claim that the top leadership of Sabah and Sarawak has never raised concerns or made claims regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). However, he stressed that these aspirations have been expressed with a spirit of unity aimed at advancing Malaysia.
“Just as I will make requests and appeals to them, the spirit of unity and commitment to the success of Malaysia is very much alive,” he said.
