Kota kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again reaffirmed the MADANI Government's full commitment to realising Sabah's 40 per cent revenue entitlement as stipulated under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the Federal Government recognises that the claim is final and not subject to appeal, but detailed discussions are necessary to ensure the matter can be resolved in the best way for the benefit of Sabah and its people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that the Federal Government is not contesting the 40 per cent revenue share for Sabah, confirming it as a firm policy decision. He declared in both the Cabinet and Parliament that there are no negotiations on this matter, underscoring the government's commitment to fulfilling this revenue share to the people of Sabah. Anwar's remarks were made during the MADANI 2026 Breaking-of-Fast Event at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
Present at the event were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Anwar mentioned that meetings have taken place between Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican and Sabah State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong to clarify the implementation mechanism for the revenue entitlement.
Anwar stated that the commitment based on MA63 is not disputed, referencing statements and a court decision that confirmed an interim agreement between the Federal and state governments starting at the end of 2022. He indicated that the primary concern now is the implementation of the agreement. The Kota Kinabalu High Court had previously ruled that the Federal Government must review and repay the 40 per cent net revenue derived from Sabah.
Additionally, Anwar highlighted the importance of developing basic facilities like small restaurants and food outlets for the wellbeing of the people. He pointed out that 85 per cent of customers frequent these establishments, but development planning is often outdated. As a result, he initiated efforts in Kuala Lumpur to refurbish or build new stalls to ensure the comfort and benefit of the majority. He emphasized that planning must evolve to attract tourists and improve local infrastructure.