KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on state leaders in West Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak to recognise the strength of the relationship between the Unity Government, the federal government, and the Sarawak government.
He asserted that the close friendship and mutual respect between him and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg serve as a foundation for resolving various national issues.
Anwar also addressed and criticised the baseless accusations made against both himself and the Premier.
“In the Peninsula, I still hear slanderous claims that I was pressured and blackmailed into maintaining power, which supposedly led me to make concessions to Sarawak.
“Meanwhile, here in Sarawak, there are also a few elitist voices attacking the Premier, as if he’s weak in negotiations. These critics speak without facts and only create unnecessary anxiety,” he said.
Anwar made these remarks during the 2025 State-level Gawai Dayak Dinner celebration held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (June 22).

He stressed that negotiations are never easy and must be grounded in strong principles.
“Believe me, reaching consensus through negotiations is no simple task. But if we stick to our principles, our goal is clear—to ensure progress across all regions of our nation.
“We must uphold the principle that no community or area—whether urban, suburban, rural, or remote—should be left behind. There must not be overflowing wealth in some places while poverty is left unattended elsewhere,” he said.
Anwar also clarified that the government’s decision to allocate significant funding to Sarawak was not driven by political pressure.
“When this spirit guides us, we are not bound by race or region. That’s why, in the presentation of the Budget, I clearly stated that our decision to provide the largest allocation to Sarawak, as well as to underdeveloped states in the Peninsular, was not due to coercion—but out of our duty as a just government to ensure comfort and prosperity for all.”
“I chose to share this in the spirit of Gawai with my friends here. It is unfair to allow others to portray the Premier or the Sarawak government as being too soft.
“That is simply not true. I personally led the final stages of the negotiations. It was tough because Sarawak’s leaders were not only firm, they were resolute. And I understand they were carrying the aspirations of their people,” he said.