The government is determined to dignify all states, build Malaysia together – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim invited all parties regardless of race and religion to learn from the history of the founding of Malaysia and appreciate the sacrifices of the fighters in shaping the nation’s vision and future.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Unity Government is determined to dignify all states, including the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak, besides hoping that this will be done jointly.

Anwar explained that whether it is the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) or the development of the poorest rural areas and districts, all of that is the commitment and responsibility of the Federal Government.

“There is no state without problems. But as I said, the deputy prime ministers are with me, the ministers in the Cabinet. If Malaysia wants to succeed, whoever is the prime minister, whoever is the minister, whoever is the leader… he must lead all the people and nation of Malaysia.

“Complaints of small children in Kundasang (Sabah) or sick women in Kapit (Sarawak) or Manik Urai in Kelantan, those are complaints we should listen to. Although I admit there are problems we should solve,” he said when speaking at the Malaysia Day Celebration Ceremony National Year 2024 at Padang Merdeka Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Also present were the Sabah State President, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin; Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor; Premier of Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; both Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as the ranks of Federal Cabinet Ministers and the State Cabinets of Sabah and Sarawak.

Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, said that the leaders need to learn from the attitude shown by Hajiji and Abang Johari, who want to make Malaysia successful.

Despite the complaints and demands, Anwar explained, the two leaders from the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak have a spirit of unity to build the country together.

“Two friends in whom I have full confidence, namely the Chief Minister of Sabah and the Premier of Sarawak, agree and speak clearly. Rebuke well as friends… complain, demand, but in the spirit of friendship to make Malaysia, our sacred country, a success.

“It is not true to say that they do not demand, complain, or beg. Like me, I will also ask from them. But the spirit of unity (they) live to make Malaysia succeed, that is there,” he said.

This year’s Malaysia Day celebration is themed “Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka.”.