KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is committed to developing Sabah through the implementation of major infrastructure projects to address the "AJK" issues, referring to air (water), jalan (roads), and karan (electricity), said Prime Minister’s senior political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin
He said Anwar’s commitment is evident in his administration’s continuous efforts to address these issues, particularly through the development of the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Dam and the Pan Borneo Highway.
"We are all aware of the AJK issues, but we see that the Prime Minister, together with the Sabah state government, is genuinely focusing on implementing infrastructure projects for the benefit of the people.
"Since assuming office as Prime Minister, even before the Sabah state election, he has visited Sabah to ensure that solutions are implemented and that infrastructure issues, particularly AJK, are effectively addressed," he told Bernama recently.
He stated that Anwar visited Sabah in December 2023, roughly a year after being sworn in as Prime Minister, to officiate the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Dam in Tenom’s interior, underscoring his commitment to fully resolving electricity and water issues.
"This project not only reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to Sabah’s development but also underscores its dedication to meeting the basic needs of the people, whether in urban or rural areas," he said.
The dam, slated for completion in 2029, is expected to generate 187.5 megawatts of electricity, increasing Sabah’s power grid capacity by 15%, and has the potential to supply 6,000 million litres of water daily.
Shamsul Iskandar said that Anwar has taken a decisive approach to ensure the Pan Borneo Highway project is carried out without delay, despite the previous state government having opted to postpone it.
"The Prime Minister, together with the Sabah government, is genuinely focused on implementing infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway," he said, describing it as the lifeline of development that connects communities, creates job opportunities, and elevates the living standards of Sabahans.
He said the Pan Borneo Highway project, which entails constructing a 706-kilometre road in Sabah under Phase 1, is set to have a major impact on the state’s economy, particularly by improving the flow of goods and services between urban and rural areas.
"They (the people) want water, they want roads, they want electricity, as these are basic needs.
"Can such issues be resolved with mere rhetoric and slogans? No. But the Prime Minister has taken steps from the very beginning, even before the election, to address and resolve them," he said.
On the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Shamsul Iskandar said Anwar has shown genuine commitment and dedication, and is the only Prime Minister to have successfully resolved all nine claims stipulated under the agreement.
"The sincerity and dedication, in other words, the Prime Minister’s commitment, to resolve these claims is evident. As we often hear in his speeches, this is reflected in his actions. The MA63 is an agreement that was decided long ago.
"What needs to be done is to implement MA63. That is the Prime Minister’s responsibility, and it is only proper that we demonstrate the same commitment to its execution," he said.
However, he clarified that MA63 must be implemented in stages to ensure efficient and effective execution, with negotiations and discussions continuously conducted through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council.
To date, 13 of the 29 claims under MA63 have been resolved, with nine addressed under Anwar’s administration and four under the previous Prime Minister’s tenure.
Shamsul Anwar said the government has allocated RM6.9bil for Sabah’s development in Budget 2026, up from RM6.7bil this year, to ensure the state’s sustained growth. - Bernama
