SANDAKAN: Pakatan Harapan will work with the incoming Sabah government after the state election to ensure strong cooperation on development issues, even though the coalition will not form the government itself, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).
Anwar, who is also Pakatan chairman, said the coalition’s role is to reinforce collaboration with Putrajaya so that key commitments for Sabah can be carried out smoothly.
"We are not going to form the government. Pakatan is not going to form the government. But Pakatan will support, make sure the government works well with the Federal Government to solve the problems of Sabah," he told a meet-and-greet session with the Chinese community from Karamunting and Elopura at Dewan Hakka Sandakan on Wednesday (Nov 26).
He clarified that Pakatan’s presence in Sabah is not about offering quick fixes, but ensuring proper negotiations that achieve long-term solutions.
"We are not sitting here saying everything can be solved. But we negotiate nicely," he said.
Pakatan is contesting 22 out of 73 seats in the 17th Sabah election and is working separately in pacts with Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
Anwar also addressed criticism over delays in major federal-funded projects, insisting that the Madani government should not be blamed for legacy problems. Using the Pan Borneo Highway as an example, he noted that while Sarawak’s portion is finished, Sabah’s is not, due to earlier setbacks.
"When they asked, we approved Sabah’s road, same time as Sarawak. Sarawak is already finished, Sabah is not finished. Why blame us? We are here to make sure they are ready," he said, adding that he had instructed Sabah leaders to focus on swift and efficient implementation.
He stressed that projects must be completed quickly and that local contractors should be given opportunities, but with no compromise on deadlines.
"It must be completed fast, we give the funds. Whoever can do it, do it. Give Sabah contractors the projects, but no compromise, the project must be finished quickly," he said.
Anwar also rejected claims that the Federal Government had failed to address Sabah’s long-standing issues, especially with roads and water supply.
"I (have to) call it out, because this government has given more money to Sabah than any previous administration," he added.
