PENAMPANG, May 30 — The Federal government always takes into consideration the needs and requests of all states when determining the priority of projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said project priorities are not decided solely by Putrajaya but are instead jointly determined with state governments after their requests are reviewed and considered by the Federal leadership.
Citing Sabah as an example, Anwar said that in almost every working visit he has made to the state, meetings are held between leaders and senior Federal and state officials to directly address the state government's requests.
"I'm not saying that 13MP (projects) did not happen before. Previously, there were requests, but they were vetted by the Federal ministries.
"But now no more, (as) requests are made directly (during meetings) chaired by the prime minister, attended by chief ministers and state ministers.
"We listen and pay attention directly. Frankly, this only happens because of uniformity, (as well as) good and close relationships due to mutual trust,” he said when officiating the Sabah state-level Kaamatan Festival celebration here today.
The event, held at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), was also attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Anwar also expressed his gratitude to Hajiji and the Sabah government for their openness to cooperating with the leaders and Federal government in a bid to develop and elevate the dignity of Malaysia and Sabah.
He emphasised that the spirit to strengthen Sabah must be nurtured through the strong unity between the Federal and state governments within the framework of the federation.
As such, he reminded everyone not to raise issues that can erode that good relationship simply for political mileage, especially ahead of the Sabah state election.
"In the lead-up to this election, some former leaders, who were once together, sometimes forget that just to stir the political atmosphere, they raise issues that undermine confidence in the country… this is not healthy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said that while the Federal government and states, especially Sabah and Sarawak, have many differences, these must be seen as a strength that contribute to Malaysia’s unity and the wellbeing of its people.
He said that when Malaysia was established, "Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu” (Unity is Strength) was chosen as the national motto to illustrate the importance of togetherness in diversity in strengthening the country.
"Diversity can also be destructive. Some countries which initially embraced a multiracial and multi-religious society later experienced hostility between races, religions and regions. Which nation can be successful like that, everything will end up in ruin.
"No matter how difficult it gets, any sensible leader campaigning for a state assembly or parliamentary seat must remember to never sacrifice the interests of the state or country,” he said.
— Bernama
