KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and the Federal Government need each other in many aspects of social and economic developments, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said although both sides might not totally agree with one another on certain issues, it does not mean both parties cannot work together to find a solution that works both ways.
He said with Sabah politics heating up, he does not wish to argue and continue seeing politicking in Sabah.
Instead, the focus should be on trade, economics, development and uplifting the overall standards of living of the people.
“The economy would not progress if the state and federal are not aligned with each other and cannot work together,” said Anwar during a get-together session with Sabah Industry Association members here, Saturday (Nov 8).
He said no one was perfect, and he himself had many weaknesses.
“However, we cannot lose focus and the focus should be for the progress and the good of this state and country,” he said, adding that the Asean meeting recently was a clear sign of other nations’ respect for Malaysia, because of this country’s peace, harmony and political stability.
“Our focus should be to strengthen our economy. People respect us because of our stability. Our focus is to make sure that this country succeeds as a great nation with a strong economy,” Anwar said.
He said in every country, trade and relations, there were bound to be disagreements but there was nothing that cannot be solved if both sides were willing to sit and discuss properly.
He also said that for Malaysia, the fundamental practice was to be friendly with as many nations as possible, even with disagreements of ideas and thoughts.
Anwar also pointed out how he was constantly criticised for his friendliness with China and the United States, but he remained focused on the main agenda which was to open up markets and trade and to attract more investments to the country.
“I might not agree with what all these countries are doing or saying and they also do not agree with every statement I make, but this is diplomacy.. We talk properly and find a way,” he stressed, also citing that should be the way for both Sabah and the federal government.
He said too much tension between both sides of governments would not benefit anyone or achieve anything.
Towards this end, Anwar said he does not want to entertain race or religious based politics and if there are politicians who wish to bank on these issues, then it was their problem.
