PM to hold a high-level meeting to discuss water issues in Sabah

PENAMPANG - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will hold a high-level meeting tomorrow with the Sabah state government to address water issues in the state.

Anwar said he often visited Sabah to fulfill his responsibilities to the people in this state.

"Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had mentioned to me that while the government under his leadership is still strong we should properly solve the problems in Sabah as the strength from the state government alone is not sufficient and requires assistance from the federal government.

"Among the major issues in Sabah is water and road issues.

"So I have decided to hold a high-level meeting between the federal and state governments tomorrow morning to resolve the water problem afflicting the state," he said

Anwar was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Pesta Kaamatan held at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) today.

Anwar also took the the time to travel through the roads in the rural areas of Sabah as suggested by the ministers, MPs and assemblymen from the state

"Many ministers, MPs and assemblymen said Anwar should visit the rural areas so he can see for himself how they always change their tyres because the roads are terrible.

"So, recently, I had increased the allocation to repair roads where Sabah is receiving the highest allocations

"We have asked the Pan Borneo project to be expedited in addition to repair works

"I have faith in the state government. So we leave it to them to handle some matters while complying to the finance rules.

"I assure you that the Unity Government take these matters seriously and we are determined to solve the issue as soon as possible," he said.

Prior to that, Anwar also announced that the government had approved a RM1 milllion allocation for the cultural activities at KDCA.

"I was moved when I heard Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan saying this is the first time the Prime Minister had attended this official event and I believe this will not be the last one as I will attend Pesta Gawai in Sarawak next week.

"I want to give the assurance that we will provide the necessary allocations and help KDCA even if Joseph didn't ask for it. I had approved the RM1 million allocation for this year's activities," he said.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin. Also present was Hajiji and his wife Datin Seri Julia Salag and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan who is also Sabah Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Committee chairman.