PM Anwar confirms negotiations on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement will continue during state polls, with technical discussions already initiated.
KUALA LUMPUR: Negotiations on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement will proceed despite the upcoming state election.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed technical-level discussions will commence soon and continue during the election period.
He stated the negotiation process remains unaffected by the caretaker state administration following the Sabah legislative assembly’s dissolution on October 6.
“The current administration is a caretaker government, but we do not want to be perceived as delaying the matter,” Anwar told Parliament.
The Finance Minister revealed the Treasury secretary-general has formally initiated the negotiation process.
“The Treasury secretary-general has written to the Sabah state secretary stating that technical discussions may start,” he said.
These discussions will address matters highlighted in the recent court judgment on Sabah’s revenue rights.
Anwar responded to a question from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah during the Dewan Rakyat session.
The 17th Sabah state election follows the assembly dissolution that paved way for fresh polls.
The Prime Minister stressed that good relations between the state and federal governments must always be maintained to ensure that all issues, including revenue claims, are resolved in a rational and prudent manner.
“Our responsibility as a nation is to safeguard good relations between the state and federal governments. If there are reasonable concerns, we must listen and seek solutions,” he said.
He also urged all parties to uphold the spirit of unity and cohesion and to avoid inflaming narrow racial sentiments over issues that could divide society.
“I hope this spirit of unity and cohesion is preserved, because if provocative or narrow racial issues are stirred up, it will be harmful. The only ones who benefit are those at the top, while the people struggle without water and electricity,” he added. – Bernama
