KUALA LUMPUR: Nov 4, 2026 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that many development projects in Sabah have been abandoned or delayed, including the Pan Borneo Highway, prompting the government to tighten conditions for the implementation of new projects.
“We announce projects, we can implement them but many are abandoned or delayed,” he said when replying to a supplementary question from Beluran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee in the Dewan Rakyat on 3 November 2026.
In the supplementary question, Ronald raised the weaknesses in the implementation of Pan Borneo Sabah despite the large allocation involved. He also touched on the poor condition of roads and electricity supply disruptions in Tawau.
Responding to the matter, Anwar said the government had re-discussed with the Sabah state government, particularly the Chief Minister, to provide flexibility in the implementation of large-scale projects.
He said large projects need to be implemented transparently through open tenders and the selection of companies that are truly capable. Small-scale subcontracts, meanwhile, can provide space for local companies.
Anwar stressed that the selection of companies for large projects should not be focused on the district or state of origin, but rather on the ability to implement the project.
“Do not use, for example, why not this company, why not a company from this district, why not a state company? So this is what makes it difficult for us,” he said.
He added that the government is setting stricter conditions for new projects, particularly projects implemented in the past one to two years.
On the road problem, Anwar said he had asked the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) and the Federal JKR to review road maintenance work that is not included in the scope of existing projects but needs to be expedited, particularly in rural areas.
