PM Anwar: ‘First time I was handed RM1.8 bln instead of being asked for allocations’

By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 22: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remarked that for the first time in his tenure as Finance Minister, a State government had handed him a multi billion ringgit cheque instead of requesting financial allocations from the Federal Government.

Referring to the RM1.8 billion cheque presented by the Sarawak government during his visit to Bintulu on Sunday (June 21), he said the gesture reflected the State’s strong governance and sound fiscal management.

“Usually as Finance Minister, when I visit the states, everyone asks for allocations. But today in Bintulu, for the first time in my career, I was instead handed a check for RM1.8 billion by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

“This proves that if you manage the country well, understand the rules of governance and put up responsible, competent leaders, you are able to deliver. I salute Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his team,” he said this at the State-level Gawai Dayak 2026 Gala Dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday (June 21).

He stressed that after decades of independence, Sarawak has developed the necessary institutional maturity and technical expertise to seamlessly manage massive sovereign logistical hubs on its own.

“This operational maturity serves as a strong response to political critics in Peninsular Malaysia who have opposed the devolution of strategic assets back to East Malaysian states under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he noted.

While admitting that negotiating these returns often draws intense political pushback and accusations of yielding to pressure, Anwar commended Sarawak’s leadership for its principled approach.

“But I want to state clearly that throughout my time leading the government, despite complex negotiations, there has never been a single threat or ultimatum from Sarawak.

“This is the true spirit of consensus, maturity, and understanding of the Federal Constitution,” he added.

Shifting his focus to the global stage, the Prime Minister shared that this same spirit of consensus has driven recent international diplomatic breakthroughs, including a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that secured a 20-year uninterrupted energy supply guarantee for Malaysia’s needs and re-exports.

Malaysia’s growing reputation also paved the way for success during his official visit to Turkmenistan, where President Serdar agreed to award the management of Gas Fields 9 and 10 to Malaysia through PETRONAS, outcompeting major global energy giants.

Anwar further revealed that during a recent bilateral meeting in Tokyo, the Japanese Prime Minister requested a similar 20-year gas supply guarantee due to high confidence in Malaysia, a discussion where he specifically emphasised the importance of supporting Sarawak as an emerging regional energy giant.

“If we work hard and resolve arising issues amicably through consensus, there are immense benefits and advantages for our nation,” he said. — DayakDaily

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