In response to the statement made by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, regarding the court-approved stay on the implementation of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, I wish to express my serious concern.
Firstly, while the Minister acknowledged that the processes of calculation, data verification, and technical negotiations have already commenced, he is at the same time attempting to justify further delay under the pretext of “continuing studies” following the court’s stay order. Such reasoning is clearly unconvincing.
The Minister also described the process as “complex” and “time-consuming,” even citing national economic conditions and international developments. However, such explanations only raise further questions—why is it that every time Sabah’s rightful entitlement is discussed, new justifications emerge?
More concerning is the attempt to link Sabah’s legitimate rights with the current economic situation, which effectively diverts attention from the core issue. Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement should not, under any circumstances, be treated as something that can be postponed or set aside.
We must be clear:
This is a matter of rights, not charity.. This right is explicitly guarante under the Federal Constitution and is not a matter that can be arbitrarily delayed or subjected to additional conditions by any party.
If the authorities continue to claim that the process is “complex” and requires more time, then a more practical approach should be adopted—to proceed with partial payments based on the amounts already clearly identified and recorded by the Inland Revenue Board, rather than allowing the matter to remain stuck in endless technical discussions.
Sabah is currently facing urgent livelihood challenges, including inadequate basic infrastructure, limited educational resources, and a strained healthcare system—issues that cannot afford further delay. In recent weeks, areas such as Likas have experienced water disruptions caused by ageing underground pipelines. The replacement of these pipelines and the upgrading of basic infrastructure urgently require funding. These are fundamental issues affecting the daily lives of the people and must be addressed without delay.
If even the confirmed portion cannot be paid out first, then the public has every right to question whether this is truly a matter of procedure—or a matter of sincerity.
At a time when the people urgently need resources to address real-life challenges, any approach that insists on “waiting until everything is fully calculated” is clearly out of touch with reality.
What can be done now should be done now.
Otherwise, repeated claims of “ongoing studies” and “complex procedures” will only be seen by the public as excuses for continued delay. Time has already been given, and ample space has been provided—what the people of Sabah want now is not charity, nor promises, but what rightfully belongs to them and has long been delayed.
THAM YUN FOOK
N19 LIKAS ASSEMBLYMEN
