Sabah Must Not Beg for Its 40% Rightful Share, Says Luyang Assemblyman
Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong has called on the Federal Government to immediately honour Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, stressing that Sabahans should not be forced to beg for what is already their constitutional right.
In a statement today, Wong said the issue is no longer about negotiations but about justice, dignity, and respect for Sabah as an equal partner in the Malaysian federation.
“Sabah is not asking for charity. We are not beggars. We are partners in the formation of Malaysia, and we deserve to be treated with dignity,” he said.
Wong pointed out that the High Court had already recognised Sabah’s constitutional right to the 40% net revenue entitlement under Article 112C of the Federal Constitution. However, he expressed disappointment that discussions between the Federal and Sabah governments have been progressing at an extremely slow pace.
He noted that 136 days after the High Court ruling last October, only three official meetings at the officers’ level had been held, raising serious concern among Sabahan leaders.
“This delay is unacceptable. Sabahans have waited long enough. Meetings after meetings, statements after statements but Sabahans remain the ones waiting,” he said.
At the same time, Wong urged the Sabah state government to play a more proactive role in negotiations with the Federal Government.
“The Sabah government must take a firmer and more proactive approach in dealing with the Federal Government. This is not just another administrative issue, this concerns Sabah’s constitutional rights and the future development of our state,” he said.
He stressed that Sabah government must push for more frequent discussions and stronger representation to ensure that the negotiations do not continue to drag on.
“Sabah leaders must stand firm and speak with one voice. The people expect their leaders to defend Sabah’s rights with courage and determination,” he added.
Wong further urged the Federal Government to withdraw its appeal against the court decision and move towards implementing the entitlement without further delay.
“This is not an election promise to be recycled every time a general election approaches. Sabahans have heard such promises for decades. The 40% entitlement is not a political goodie to fish for votes, it is Sabah’s rightful share under the Constitution,” he said.
He added that the prolonged uncertainty has caused Sabahans to feel sidelined and treated unfairly within the federation.
“Why are Sabahans always treated like second-class citizens? This is not the spirit of equal partnership that Malaysia was founded upon,” he said.
Wong warned that Sabah should never be taken for granted, especially as public awareness about the state’s rights continues to grow.
“The people of Sabah have awakened. Sabahans are increasingly united in defending our rights and dignity. The Federal Government must not underestimate the resolve of the people of Sabah,” he said.
Wong stressed that the Federal Government must act decisively and respect Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“Sabah is not asking for special treatment. We are simply asking for what is rightfully ours. The 40% entitlement must be honoured,” he said.
YB Samuel Wong
ADUN Luyang
