Anwar, who is also the Pakatan Harapan chairman, said that when it comes to administering the state, it is a matter of governance, regardless of who is at the helm.

He said that in the past, weak governance led to Sabah being plagued by various issues, linked to its natural resources like timber and land, as well as water woes.

“Irrespective of whether it is led by a peninsula-based or Sabah-based party, for me it is a non-issue as long as the party can serve the people,” he told Malaysian reporters covering his visit to South Africa.

In the run-up to the 17th Sabah state election on Nov 29, there have been calls for the incoming government to be led entirely by local parties.

The sentiment had led to the Sabah Progressive Party and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku quitting Gabungan Rakyat Sabah after the coalition agreed to go ahead with its decision to partner with PH for the polls.

Opposition party Warisan also vowed that it would not work with coalitions based in Peninsular Malaysia to form the state government.