KDM candidate Frankie Poon Ming Fung issues a strong warning, claiming the federal government’s “partial appeal” over the 40% net tax revenue ruling could potentially become a disguised full appeal, risking the hard-won achievements of Sabah’s rights.
KDM candidate Frankie Poon Ming Fung has issued a stark warning, stating that the federal government’s so-called “partial appeal” regarding the ruling on Sabah’s entitlement to 40% net tax revenue could potentially act as a disguised full appeal, risking the nullification of rights that Sabah has fought for over many years.
Poon pointed out that although Peninsular Malaysia-based political parties have publicly vowed not to challenge the ruling granting Sabah 40% of net tax revenue, the federal government has nonetheless filed a “partial appeal” through judicial channels. He stated plainly, “As a lawyer, I understand clearly that a ‘partial appeal’ is procedurally equivalent to a full appeal. The appellate court thus gains the power to re-examine the entire case. If the judges perceive logical connections between different parts of the case, they can conduct a comprehensive review. This is by no means limited to disputing specific clauses; it could potentially undermine the very foundation of the entire ruling.”
He further analysed that Peninsular Malaysian parties are employing a “two-faced strategy”: on one hand paying lip service to respecting the 40% net tax revenue ruling, while on the other hand legally challenging the key clauses necessary for its implementation. “This is like acknowledging your right but refusing to give you the tools to exercise it. This strategy is highly deceptive, and the people of Sabah must see its true nature,” he added.
Poon specifically emphasised that those who pushed for these Peninsular-based parties to include related promises in their election manifestos were actually local Sabah representatives of those parties, not the central decision-makers from Peninsular Malaysia. “This further reveals the actual standing of Sabah’s rights within the overall strategy of Peninsular-based parties,” he said.
Facing the upcoming state election, Poon issued a strong appeal: “Voters in Sabah must not be misled by the superficial promises of Peninsular-based parties. We Sabahans must take control of our own destiny and make our voices heard through our votes. Only by supporting the local KDM party, which is genuinely rooted in Sabah, can we ensure our rights are not sacrificed in political games.”
He also noted that it took Sabah decades to secure legal recognition for the 40% net tax revenue entitlement, and now this achievement faces potential risk due to the “partial appeal”. “This is a historic moment for Sabah’s rights. Our choices will determine the future of our descendants.”
