KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his assurance that he is open to listening and addressing any issues that arise from the budget.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that the 2025 Budget he tabled yesterday was designed to benefit everyone.
"If there are issues and problems, we can negotiate, discuss, and interact with one another. I will listen," he said during the launch of the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
Anwar highlighted that the budget includes a development allocation of RM6.7 billion for Sabah, which he described as the highest ever on record.
"Is it able to resolve the ongoing issues of underdeveloped schools and hospital conditions? No, but it is a bold attempt, and we will continue to work on it.
"But please appreciate that in yesterday's budget, the allocation for Sabah is the highest ever recorded in the country.
"(Sabah) is a large state with many areas still considered underdeveloped, and we have spent substantial funds on the Pan Borneo project, which is finally ongoing. It is almost complete in Sarawak but needs a bit more push in Sabah."
He urged Sabah to work together despite its diversity and warned against unnecessary losses due to delays, waste, and corruption.
"We don't want any unnecessary losses due to delays, wastage, commissions, or corruption. That's your responsibility now, to make it work," he added.