The federal government is consistent in its commitment to developing Sabah to be at par with the Peninsular.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail stressed this has been voiced by the coalition since they were still the opposition, and thus will be carried out once national financial issues are ironed out.

"We want to make sure that the development of Sabah must progress together with the Peninsular. Sabah should not be left behind. We have advised on this matter previously. One of the most common questions we get is; when is the Pan Borneo Highway expected to be completed?," she said, adding that the Federal Government is committed to carrying out the promises of winning to Sabah folk.

Also present at the Tawau parliamentary constituency's Hari Raya open house were Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Christina Liew and the two-state assistant finance ministers, Kenny Chua and Sharifuddin Hatta.

This is Dr Wan Azizah's first visit to Sabah as DPM following Pakatan Harapan's (PH) victory in the 14th General Election (GE14) on May 9.

Wan Azizah, however, asked the people to be patient as the government is currently facing financial issues, but promises it is not an excuse to delay the state's development programmes.

Sharifuddin who represented Sabah's Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal during the visit hoped that Wan Azizah will return to Sabah especially to Tawau and Kalabakan to see the development issues for herself, in relation to road links.

About 5,000 attended the gathering held at the Tawau sports complex which started from 3pm to 6.30pm.