PM’s people-first approach paying off for Bornean states, says Sabah PKR

KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s special announcement on Wednesday (July 23) is a people-centric approach that is starting to yield tangible results for Sabah and Sarawak, says Sabah PKR.

Its chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, in welcoming Anwar’s Madani agenda, said these initiatives are aimed at easing the cost of living and fostering national unity.

Among the key measures are a one-off RM100 cash aid for all adults, a special Malaysia Day public holiday, wider implementation of Rahmah Sales nationwide, and a reduction in RON95 fuel prices to RM1.99 per litre.

“These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the people’s economic burdens proactively and inclusively,” he said in a statement.

Mustapha noted that for Sabahans, especially those in rural areas, the targeted RON95 fuel subsidy is seen as particularly significant because of their heavy dependence on road and river transport.

Furthermore, he said, the expansion of Rahmah Sales to all state constituencies nationwide gives rural residents better access to affordable basic goods.

The Deputy Higher Education Minister also lauded the move to distribute the one-off aid via MyKad to all adults aged 18 and above, regardless of income category, calling it a progressive step that recognises the contribution of every citizen to the nation’s recovery.

“These measures reflect a government that is not only listening, but acting,” he said.

Mustapha said the ongoing Madani programmes are starting to show results, such as steady economic growth, falling unemployment, and progress in eradicating hardcore poverty.

He highlighted grassroots initiatives like the Madani Adopted Villages and Schools in Sabah as proof that the government is not neglecting the Bornean states in its development plans.

In addition, he said Sabah PKR also welcomed the declaration of Sept 15 as a public holiday to mark Malaysia Day, describing it as “a meaningful gesture that strengthens unity and reaffirms Sabah and Sarawak’s position as equal partners in the federation”.

“In conjunction with Sarawak Day, Sabah PKR extends warm greetings to the people of Sarawak and reiterates its belief that strong inter-regional cooperation is key to national progress.

“We believe that these efforts are just the start of bigger changes under Anwar’s leadership, and urge all Malaysians to keep supporting the government in creating a fairer, more united, and successful Malaysia,” he said.