Sabah polls result will set direction for future development - Muhyiddin

Therefore, Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, hoped that the Sabah people would make a wise decision during the election.

“Of course, as the prime minister leading the Perikatan Nasional government, I do not want Sabah to be left behind because the state is an important component of the country.

“As the election is approaching, I hope all of you will think carefully. I am here as the prime minister responsible for developing Malaysia into an advanced, prosperous and successful nation, (which is also) the responsibility of the state leadership.

“Maybe it’s good to have an election. We can somewhat correct the results… the previous one has been settled, a new decision is coming.

“Whatever the Sabah people decide later will set the direction for the state’s future,” he said at 'An Evening with the Prime Minister’ event at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today.

Also present were Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, who is also Bersatu vice-president, and Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, the secretary-general of the party.

Muhyiddin said the federal and state governments should be on the same page to ensure sustainable development for Sabah and the effective implementation of all initiatives for the people.

“Ideally, the federal and state governments should be of one heart and one mind. I know Sabah has resources and is a rich state. There are still many treasures which have not been discovered and developed.

“Sabah is a large state. I am aware that a lot (development) remains to be done in Sabah, which if left only in the hands of the state or federal government could not possibly be completed. But if both governments work together, many problems can be resolved,” he said.

Muhyiddin said as the country was still facing economic challenges due to COVID-19, it was crucial that efforts to assist those affected by the pandemic be carried out together by the federal and state governments.

“We have to save Sabah (in terms of development and economy), and the one who can guarantee the safety of Sabah is the Perikatan Nasional government,” he said.