As a child of Sabah, I believe that the issue of the 40% revenue claim from the state of Sabah is not merely a matter of numbers or financial allocations, but touches on the dignity of the constitution, federal-state justice, and the future development of the people of Sabah.
In this regard, I urge the Sabah State Assembly (DUN) to consider the establishment of a Special Select Committee specifically to examine, coordinate, and strengthen the position of the State of Sabah regarding the implementation of the 40% rights as stipulated under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.
The establishment of this Special Select Committee is crucial as it provides an official legislative platform for the State to:
First, thoroughly examine the constitutional basis of the 40% claim, including the history of its implementation since the formation of Malaysia.
Second, transparently and factually assess the actual amount of arrears and the financial implications for the State of Sabah.
Third, summon relevant witnesses including federal and state government officials, constitutional experts, financial experts, and civil society representatives to gain a comprehensive picture.
Fourth, draft practical proposals and realistic implementation mechanisms to be brought to the official negotiation table with the Federal Government.
Fifth, ensure that the voices of the people of Sabah are institutionally represented through the DUN, not just through technical discussions at the executive level alone.
It is important to emphasize that the establishment of this DUN Special Select Committee does not contradict the recent High Court decision (October 17, 2025) regarding the 40% issue at all.
On the contrary, this committee can serve as a supportive mechanism for the implementation of that court order.
The court's decision has directed that a review and negotiation process between the Federal Government and the State Government be carried out according to the constitutional framework. The DUN Special Select Committee does not replace that process, but helps strengthen the State of Sabah's preparations with data, analysis, and a more organized stance before entering official negotiations.
In other words, this committee functions to empower the implementation of the court's decision — not to hinder it.
Furthermore, a bipartisan Special Select Committee, involving representatives from both the government and the opposition, will enhance public confidence that this 40% issue is being addressed maturely, professionally, and across party lines.
Sabah needs a structured and institutional approach. An issue as significant as the 40% rights cannot be left to operate ad hoc or rely entirely on closed-door negotiations. The DUN, as the highest legislative body of the State, must play an active role.
As a child of Sabah and Deputy Chief of the Sepanggar WARISAN division, I believe that the establishment of the DUN Sabah Special Select Committee on the 40% rights is a strategic and responsible step to ensure that Sabah's interests are defended in a principled, transparent manner and based on the Constitution.
This is not a matter of narrow politics — this is about state rights and the future of all generations of Sabah, "whether you are on the government side or you are on the opposition side, we need to perform our functions and roles to the best of our abilities because in the end, we are all Sabahans who should fight for our rights together, "We are all in this together."
By: Norazmi Hj. Alimat
Deputy Chief of the Sepanggar WARISAN division.
