Penampang: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to honouring Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of its revenue, as specified in the Federal Constitution.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, announced that technical negotiations would proceed methodically starting this Monday, with federal and state government officials, including Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican and representatives of the Sabah government, participating in the discussions.
During the “Temu Anwar: Harapan Urang Muda Sabah” programme at the International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) in Penampang, Anwar emphasized that the 40 per cent entitlement is an indisputable constitutional right for Sabah. He clarified that the appeal pertains only to certain aspects of the judgment, and negotiations will be conducted respectfully.
Anwar highlighted that resolving the issue of Sabah’s revenue entitlement should not be used to undermine the contributions of past leaders of the federal and state governments. Despite a recent court ruling indicating that governments since 1974 had acted contrary to the Federal Constitution regarding Sabah’s revenue entitlement, Anwar stated that it should not be exploited as political capital to criticize past leaders.
He underscored the importance of addressing the matter professionally through collaboration between state and federal governments, avoiding the politicization of past errors.
Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Sabah’s Federal Cabinet Representative in the Special Meeting of the Technical Committee of the MA63 Implementation Action Council (JKTMTPMA63), announced that the first discussion on Sabah’s Special Grant based on the 40 per cent formula is scheduled for this Monday at Menara Kinabalu.
Addressing the water supply issue in Sabah, Anwar expressed optimism that it could be fully resolved by next year. He noted that the federal government had approved significant funding, with RM360 million allocated for water projects and RM1.2 billion for electricity needs, to ensure the state’s infrastructure meets the standards of other regions.
Anwar projected that, Insya-Allah, by 2026, most, if not all, water issues in Sabah will be resolved. He also encouraged the youth to make informed choices when selecting leaders, focusing on integrity and capability over racial or regional sentiment, emphasizing that Malaysia’s future stability relies on the younger generation’s discernment.