MEMBAKUT: During a “Meet the People” session with the residents of Membakut on Tuesday, Daniel J. Jambun, President of the Change Advocate Movement of Sabah (CAMOS), issued a strong warning that the Federal Government’s decision to appeal the High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40% net revenue entitlement is a calculated political move to deny the rights of Sabahans.
“The Federal Government is appealing not because Sabah is wrong — but because Putrajaya cannot afford to admit that Sabah is right,” Daniel declared to loud applause from the crowd.
He explained that the recent High Court decision merely reaffirmed what is already guaranteed in the Federal Constitution — Sabah’s entitlement under Articles 112C and 112D. However, he said, for the past 60 years, the Federal Government has treated Sabah’s rights as negotiable political favors, subject to delay or manipulation.
“If the ruling stands, the Federal Government would have to pay billions in arrears to Sabah. That is the real reason behind the appeal. They are not afraid of the court — they are afraid of the truth,” he said.
Daniel further emphasized that the appeal reflects Putrajaya’s deep-seated centralist mindset and fear of Sabah’s autonomy.
“We were promised equal partnership under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but the reality is that Sabah has been reduced to a dependent and controlled territory. They talk about MA63, but what they practise is manipulation and delay,” he said.
In his speech, Daniel also issued a political warning to Sabahans not to be deceived by old political alliances seeking to resurface after the next general election.
“Let me warn you — there is already talk that if PH, BN and GRS win again and form the Sabah state Government, they will appoint a Chief Minister from PH — a candidate who will contest in the Merotai constituency.
The aim is clear — to weaken Sabah’s 40% revenue struggle and bury the issue under their political control,” he said in a cautionary tone.
“This is why we must remain vigilant. What they cannot defeat in court, they will attempt to quietly kill through political manoeuvring after the election,” Daniel warned.
He added that as long as the Federal Government delays the implementation of the 40% entitlement, Sabah continues to lose billions in development funds.
“Every year we lose funds that could have built hospitals, schools, and roads. Every ringgit withheld means another opportunity lost for the people of Sabah. Justice delayed is development denied!” Daniel said passionately.
Daniel concluded his address by calling on all Sabahans to stand united in defending the state’s constitutional rights, regardless of political affiliation.
“The 40% entitlement is not a gift from Kuala Lumpur. It is our constitutional right — a right that must be upheld and never traded away. If we allow this to continue, future generations will remain the victims,” he declared, drawing loud applause from the audience in Membakut.
Issued by: Daniel J. Jambun, President Change Advocate Movement of Sabah (CAMOS)
