Kota kinabalu: The increase in Sabah's interim special grant from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion, effective today, has been described as a significant step towards translating the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) into tangible and inclusive development outcomes. Sabah Geopolitics and Electoral (GeoPES) researcher Associate Professor Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said the proactive move reflects the federal government's strong political commitment to narrowing the development gap between regions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the allocation would not only strengthen Sabah's fiscal capacity but also restore public confidence in the federal government's commitment to implementing a fairer and more transparent revenue-sharing framework. Dr Syahruddin noted that it is a clear signal that power and revenue sharing are being implemented effectively for the nation's long-term prosperity. He emphasized the need for prioritizing critical infrastructure issues, such as clean water supply, electricity grid stability, and road connectivity, through a comprehensive recovery and development plan.
Beyond basic infrastructure, Dr Syahruddin suggested that funds should also be directed towards upgrading dilapidated schools, enhancing rural healthcare facilities, and intensifying efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty in rural areas. He pointed out that the success of the initial phase demonstrates that fact-based negotiations can lead to constructive solutions and pave the way for finalizing Sabah's 40 per cent revenue entitlement formula.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Romzi Ationg, a political analyst from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), stated that the substantial increase in interim payments reflects a shared determination to find common ground and strengthen trust in ongoing negotiations over Sabah's rights. He stressed that continued political commitment and mature federalism are crucial for achieving a comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable solution.
Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Information Chief, remarked that the announcement resulted from effective diplomacy and strong cooperation between the state and federal governments. He credited the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for translating federal-state cooperation into tangible benefits for the people. According to Nizam, securing Sabah's rights should be pursued through constructive engagement and evidence-based arguments rather than emotional rhetoric.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while opening the state-level 2026 Kaamatan Festival in Penampang, announced the increase in the interim special grant as a temporary measure pending the finalization of the formula and mechanism for implementing Sabah's 40 per cent revenue claim. Before 2022, Sabah received about RM26.7 million annually in special grants for many years before the allocation was progressively increased under the MADANI Government.