Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement talks are now at the senior official level, with state and federal officials working on a mechanism following a High Court ruling.
KOTA BELUD: Negotiations regarding Sabah’s 40% entitlement of federal net revenue generated in the state are currently underway at the senior official level.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed that technical discussions are ongoing between state and federal officials to determine a workable implementation mechanism.
He stated that the State Secretary is representing Sabah, while the Federal side is led by the Treasury Secretary-General.
Hajiji expressed confidence that the negotiations would be completed within the stipulated timeframe, though multiple rounds of talks may be needed.
The Chief Minister declined to reveal specific proposals, citing the technical nature of the discussions.
This development follows the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s ruling that the Federal Government acted unlawfully by failing to honour Sabah’s entitlement for nearly four decades.
The court ordered a review within 90 days and directed both governments to reach a mutual agreement within 180 days regarding Sabah’s special grant entitlement for the period 1974 to 2021.
