PRESS STATEMENT: Sebatik Issue Reinforces Urgency of 40% Revenue Motion — State Government Must Act Without Delay
[Kota Kinabalu 17.April.2026] Chin Tek Ming, state assemblyman of Kapayan, states that the concerns raised by Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Likas stae assemblyman Tham Yun Fook and Dr Istefan Koh on the Sebatik boundary issue must not be taken lightly.
The reported loss of territory on Sebatik is not just a border adjustment, it is a clear warning of what happens when Sabah fails to assert its rights firmly and early.
He stressed that the same weakness is now evident in the prolonged delay over Sabah’s constitutional entitlement to 40% of federal revenue under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“Sebatik is about land. The 40% is about billions. But the root problem is the same - failure to act decisively.”
“In this regard, I fully echo their position that Sabah must act with greater firmness and urgency in defending its constitutional rights,” said Chin.
Chin noted that it is precisely for this reason that he has tabled a Private Member’s Motion in the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sabah, calling for the State Government to take immediate and concrete steps to enforce Sabah’s 40% entitlement for years 2022 to 2025.
For the years from 2022 to 2025, the motion seeks to:
• Formally calculate Sabah’s entitlement based on actual federal revenue derived from the state;
• Require full disclosure of revenue data from the Federal Government;
• Pursue all necessary legal and institutional measures to enforce Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“This motion is not political. It is constitutional,” he stressed.
“It is an enforcement mechanism. It is about constitutional compliance - nothing less.” he emphasised.
Chin therefore calls upon the ruling Sabah State Government to immediately prioritise this motion in the upcoming Dewan Undangan Negeri sitting.
“For too long, Sabah’s 40% entitlement has been reduced to prolonged discussions and interim arrangements that fall far short of constitutional requirements. Meanwhile, Sabah continues to lose billions in revenue each year,” he added.
Chin stressed that the State Government must now demonstrate clear leadership.
“This is a defining moment. The government must take a firm and principled stand by supporting and prioritising this motion as a clear commitment to Sabah’s future.”
He also urged all assemblymen, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in support of the motion.
“This is not about government or opposition. This is about Sabah’s rights, Sabah’s resources, and Sabah’s future.”
“The lesson from Sebatik is simple — if we are not firm, we lose ! Quietly, gradually, and irreversibly.” he concluded
-END-
Prepared by:
Chin Tek Ming
(ADUN kapayan)
17.4.2026
