Implement Sabah’s 40% Revenue Entitlement Without Delay
The Prime Minister’s recent statement that the Federal Government does not dispute Sabah’s right to the 40% revenue return, as provided under the Federal Constitution and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), should be followed by a clear course of action: the immediate implementation of this entitlement.
The Prime Minister himself stated that the commitment to the 40% is not disputed and that the government is not appealing the issue of Sabah’s right. If that is indeed the Federal Government’s position, then a simple question arises: why is the implementation still being delayed?
The court has already made a clear decision on this matter. The Federal Government has also stated that it does not object to Sabah’s right to the 40% revenue return. In such circumstances, there is no reasonable justification to postpone the implementation of a right that has already been acknowledged.
The reason given for seeking a stay of execution — namely to seek clarification on remarks in the judgment that allegedly touched on or questioned the role of past leaders — should not stand in the way of implementing Sabah’s entitlement. If there are elements within the judgment that the Federal Government wishes to clarify or amend, it remains within their right to seek such clarification from the court.
However, the central issue in this case is Sabah’s right to the 40% revenue return. Since the Federal Government itself acknowledges and does not dispute this right, the appropriate course of action is to implement the payment without further delay.
The situation is akin to someone acknowledging that a car belongs to another person, yet continuing to hold on to the keys because they wish to first discuss how the car’s manual was written. The rightful owner should not be prevented from receiving what belongs to them over matters that do not affect the core issue of ownership.
The people of Sabah have waited long enough. A right that has been acknowledged should not stop at statements or assurances alone.
If the Federal Government is sincere in respecting the spirit of MA63 and Sabah’s constitutional rights, it must demonstrate that sincerity through action. The 40% entitlement must be implemented immediately.
Promises must be followed by action.
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Datuk Mohd Azis Bin Jamman
Information Chief
Parti Warisan (WARISAN)
