PM Anwar Ibrahim confirms federal government will honour Sabah’s constitutional right to 40% revenue share, with technical negotiations starting Monday
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to fulfilling Sabah’s constitutional right to 40% of state revenue.
Speaking at the “Temu Anwar: Harapan Urang Muda Sabah” programme at the International Technology & Commercial Centre in Penampang, Anwar stressed the government will not back down from this obligation.
“The 40% entitlement is Sabah’s constitutional right,” said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister.
He clarified that while certain aspects of a recent judgment are being appealed, the fundamental right to the revenue share remains undisputed.
Technical negotiations between federal and state officials will begin this Monday in an orderly manner.
Discussions will involve Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican and Sabah government representatives.
Anwar emphasised that resolution efforts should not diminish contributions of previous federal and state leaders.
The Prime Minister called for respectful negotiations to address this longstanding constitutional matter.
Anwar also addressed that recent court findings about Sabah’s revenue entitlement should not be used for political blame games.
He acknowledged the ruling that governments since 1974 acted contrary to the Federal Constitution in implementing Sabah’s revenue rights.
Anwar emphasised this was a matter of legal interpretation rather than intentional wrongdoing by past leaders.
“There is no need to insult past leaders who contributed greatly to our nation,” he said.
He stressed the focus should be on resolving the claim professionally through state-federal cooperation.
The first discussion on Sabah’s Special Grant using the 40% formula will occur this Monday at Menara Kinabalu.
Regarding Sabah’s water crisis, Anwar expressed confidence it would be fully resolved by 2026.
The federal government has approved RM360 million specifically for water projects in Sabah.
An additional RM1.2 billion was allocated for electricity needs in the state.
“Based on latest reports, Insya-Allah, by 2026 all water issues in Sabah will be resolved,” he said.
Anwar also urged youth to choose leaders based on integrity rather than racial or regional sentiment.
He emphasised the country’s future depends on the younger generation’s wisdom in selecting leaders.
“Don’t choose based on skin colour or state,” he advised.
He reminded that Malaysia cannot remain peaceful if everyone prioritises only their own race or group. – Bernama
