KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, the Member of Parliament for Tuaran, has suggested that Article 97(1) of the Federal Constitution be amended to permit the Sabah Government to receive 40% of revenue directly from its source.
He highlighted the necessity of this amendment to clarify any ambiguities surrounding the interpretation of special grants as outlined in Articles 112 C and 112 D of the Federal Constitution.
Madius asserted that Section 2 (1) Part IV of the Tenth Schedule and Section (1) (a) of Article 112C represent the constitutional entitlements of Sabah.
According to the provisions in Articles 112 C and 112 D, 40% of the total federal revenue generated from Sabah should be allocated back to the state.
“This entitlement must not be misinterpreted, as it stems from the agreements made by Sabah’s leaders when they consented to the formation of Malaysia in 1963,” he stated during the debate on the 2025 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat, Kuala Lumpur today.
He further noted that the special allocation of RM600 million in the 2025 Budget is merely a temporary measure, and the process for determining the proposed 40% allocation by the Sabah Government should be approached with fairness, integrity in governance, and a commitment to fostering a united, prosperous, and mature Malaysia.
“Sabah must not feel misled regarding the formation of Malaysia,” he emphasised.
Madius, who previously served as Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, also voiced his support for the fulfilment of Sabah and Sarawak’s entitlement to one-third of the total parliamentary seats in the Dewan Rakyat, as stipulated in MA63, to be addressed without delay.
