By NT
KOTA KINABALU: With a mere handful of remaining weeks, millions of people in Sabah will commence their journey into the forthcoming year of 2024 with an abundance of optimism, fervently anticipating the long-awaited resolution of the outstanding demands within the Malaysian Agreement (MA63).
Of particular concern, the matter pertaining to the special grant of forty percent of Sabah revenue collected by the Federal Government is anticipated to be definitively addressed once and for all.
If the statement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Penampang on the preceding Thursday is taken into consideration, it is probable that Sabah will establish its unique historical event in the upcoming year after the resolution for the 40 percent special grant formula has been concluded.
Anwar assured that apart from allocating a substantial amount of RM16.21 billion for 2024, which includes development funds for Sabah, the federal government is committed to resolving the matter of the special grant, particularly the formula or the mechanism of implementation.
Previously, the federal government had made a commitment to fully implement the 40 percent Sabah revenue formula by 2024.
The Jesselton Times survey shows there are still some Sabah political leaders who remain sceptical or lack confidence in Anwar’s ability to address the MA63 issue effectively.
However, there are also individuals who are willing to give Anwar the benefit of the doubt and trust that he will prioritise the best interests of Sabah.
They particularly hope that the prime minister will endorse the recommendations and outcomes of the Technical Committee of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) regarding the 40 percent special grant formula.
This proposal is anticipated to be presented to the Federal Government in July 2024, following the completion of the responsibilities of the Technical Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Social activist Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto has expressed his optimism regarding Anwar’s ability to implement the special 40 percent grant demand once the payment formula and mechanism are finalized next year.
“I believe the Prime Minister is dedicated to resolving the people’s issues, particularly those concerning the interests of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
He also has faith that the proposed formula by the Technical Committee of the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) will be accepted by the Anwar-led Madani government.
Zaki emphasises the need for the federal government to expedite the momentum while requesting the people of Sabah to grant Anwar sufficient time, considering he has only been leading the government for a year.
“This issue has been ongoing for the past 60 years and involves various regulations and technicalities that require attention,” he added, hoping for good news next year.
Zaki commends the GRS government’s unwavering stance in Sabah, refusing to accept any new formula, as it demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding the aspirations of the people.
It is evident that all political parties in Sabah, including KDM, BN, Warisan, PH, Anak Negeri, and GRS, are ‘msompuru’ (united), demanding the Federal Government to respect the Federal Constitution, which explicitly provides for a special grant of 40 percent of Sabah’s state revenue collected by the federal government.
