KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA Nov 9, 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of the MADANI Government in realizing justice for Sabah, by channeling interim payments exceeding RM1.3 billion since 2023, and returning more than RM17 billion from the state’s annual collections. He emphasized that this marks the first implementation of political resolve since 1974, without delays from court rulings or political threats.
In a statement shared on social media platform X this morning, Anwar stated: “For the first time since 1974, we are not procrastinating or waiting for court decisions or political threats. In fact, we want to execute it because we have a clear political commitment in realizing justice for Sabah.”
He also revealed the facts of the interim payments: RM300 million in 2023, RM400 million in 2024, and RM600 million in 2025. “Sabah collects RM10 billion a year, but we are returning more than RM17 billion. This is what we call the implementation of political resolve,” added Anwar, who called for an end to the culture of ‘trading Sabah’s rights’ and questioned those who are ‘greedy and negligent’ toward the state’s rights.
This statement was delivered after Anwar was approached by a young man at Pasar GAYA in Kota Kinabalu this morning during his visit to the morning market. He chose to uphold arguments and facts in front of the public, asserting: “Sabah belongs to the people of Sabah!”
Anwar’s visit to Pasar GAYA, filled with local produce, crafts, and food, also provided an opportunity to interact with small traders. In another note on X, he described the market atmosphere as the “pulse of the local community” and pledged continued support for the people’s economy. This aligns with the theme of his visit to Sabah, including a meeting with the Sabah Industry Association the previous night, where he emphasized unity to advance the economy, employment, education, and the people’s future.
Anwar also urged that Sabah be seen as the “pulse of Malaysia’s strength,” with the federal government allocating the highest development allocations to the state to ensure progress benefits the majority of the people, not a handful of elites. “We are not perfect, but we work sincerely to defend,” he said.
This statement is expected to receive positive reception from the people of Sabah, who have long demanded autonomy rights and a fairer share of resource revenues under the 20-Point Agreement and the Federal Constitution. It could also ease political tensions in the state, especially ahead of upcoming election issues. The MADANI Government, under Anwar’s leadership, continues to emphasize the principle of “uplifting the people’s dignity” as the core of national development.
