KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 8 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government acknowledges the frustrations of the people in Sabah over persistent infrastructure shortcomings in the state.

He said the public's worries and scepticism were understandable, despite Sabah receiving a record RM17 billion in development and operational funding.

"As a human being, I understand the anger of the people. They have witnessed ministers and governments come and go, yet basic issues such as water supply remain unresolved, electricity connections are still inadequate, and roads continue to be riddled with potholes.

"They are understandably anxious and unconvinced. I do not blame them, even though the federal government has approved record fundin...