PM Anwar explains the federal government is appealing only the judgment’s grounds, not Sabah’s 40% entitlement, citing historical inaccuracies
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the federal government’s appeal specifically targets the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s grounds of judgment concerning Sabah’s 40% special grant.
He clarified the appeal does not challenge the decision on Sabah’s entitlement itself.
Anwar stated the appeal was necessary due to inaccuracies in the judgment’s reasoning, which appeared to unfairly blame previous federal and state leadership.
“The judge reprimanded everyone, saying all were wrong,” he said during the PM Sayang Sabah Premier Ceramah in Inanam.
He listed figures like Tun Razak, Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Mustapha, and Donald Stephens as being incorrectly faulted.
Anwar emphasised his respect for these founding figures and their contributions to Malaysia’s formation.
“I am ‘anak’ Malaysia. I do not want to blame the forefathers who have contributed,” he said.
He explained the appeal seeks to have these accusations expunged from the court record.
During a recent parliamentary sitting, Anwar said the Attorney-General’s Chambers advised that the judgment’s grounds exceeded legal parameters.
The judgment had declared the grant review after 2021 unlawful and irrational, attributing major errors to the federal government since 1974.
This implicated numerous past administrations and officials.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, confirmed negotiations on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement will resume this Monday.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to Sabah’s development and progress.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve infrastructure issues in Sabah concerning water, electricity, and roads.
These efforts are part of addressing state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
The government has allocated RM1.2 billion to ensure electricity supply sustainability and RM1 billion to resolve water issues in Sabah.
Anwar projected the water problems would be resolved by 2026.
He stressed these allocations were made irrespective of election cycles.
Anwar also emphasised the necessity of strong cooperation between the Sabah and federal governments to expedite development project implementation.
The government is now focusing on technical negotiations to determine Sabah’s actual revenue and the exact amount of its 40% special grant.
Anwar confirmed Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican will travel to Sabah tomorrow to discuss the matter with the State Secretary.
“We need to discuss the parameters, details and technical aspects,” Anwar said.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof will also chair a meeting before the technical discussions proceed.
The government must scrutinise Sabah’s actual revenue, the actual value of the 40% grant, and federal financial capacity.
“This is not empty talk,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
On Friday, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced the first discussion on Sabah’s special grant would occur tomorrow at Menara Kinabalu.
Armizan serves as the Federal Cabinet representative for the Special Technical Committee Meeting of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council. – Bernama
