Federal and Sabah governments will hold first official talks on 40% revenue grant implementation on November 17 following cabinet decision not to appeal
PUTRAJAYA: The first official-level discussion between federal and Sabah governments regarding the Special Grant based on 40% revenue provision will be held on November 17 at Menara Kinabalu, Sabah.
Sabah’s representative for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Technical Committee, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, confirmed the meeting date and venue.
The Federal Government delegation will be led by Treasury Chief Secretary Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, while Sabah will be represented by State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong.
Armizan, who is also Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, said the discussion follows the cabinet’s decision to accept the Attorney General’s Chambers’ advice against appealing the matter.
“As advised by the AGC, the Federal Government will not appeal in the context related to this 40% right as the basis for determining the amount or policy of the Special Grant to Sabah,” he stated.
The minister emphasized this decision has never been implemented by any previous government and represents new progress.
“Today’s cabinet meeting also decided that discussions must be held as soon as possible,” Armizan told reporters after the weekly press conference of Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said this demonstrates the Federal Government’s seriousness in implementing the High Court’s decision and fulfilling responsibilities for the Special Grant to Sabah.
The Papar member of parliament was appointed to the position, replacing Datuk Ewon Benedick who recently resigned from the cabinet.
The AGC confirmed in a statement that the Federal Government will not appeal the Special Grant issue and will proceed with negotiations with Sabah promptly.
The chambers also informed that it filed a Notice of Appeal at the Kota Kinabalu High Court yesterday regarding specific parts of the October 17 judgment grounds. – Bernama
