KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak asserted that Sabah is not comparable to other states in the nation.
He explained that this is due to Sabah’s financial situation being based on constitutional agreements unique to Sabah and Sarawak, rather than on general policies or development expectations.
Salleh acknowledged the remarks made by Johan Merican, the Secretary-General of the Treasury, who suggested that the existing arrangements between Putrajaya and Sabah could serve as a model for other states.
These arrangements include initiatives aimed at enhancing revenue collection, fostering commercial collaboration, and promoting economic involvement with the Federal Government, the State, and industry stakeholders like Petronas, which are seen as positive developments.
“But, portraying Sabah’s circumstances as a standard for other states misrepresents the situation.
“This issue transcends discretionary funding models; it pertains to addressing deep-rooted structural and constitutional issues,” he stated in his recent Facebook update.
Salleh emphasised that any conversation regarding revenue related to Sabah must commence with complete transparency.
“The accounting processes are intricate and technical, and without open access to information, the results cannot be deemed fair or credible,” he remarked.
Consequently, Salleh proposed the establishment of a permanent Federal–State joint committee, endowed with clear authority, shared access to data, and independent technical expertise, to effectively tackle revenue calculation and collection challenges
“Temporary arrangements and selective information sharing are inadequate. What is essential is a permanent institutional mechanism that reflects Sabah’s constitutional status.
*While progress achieved thus far can be acknowledged, it is crucial to clarify: there is still much work to be done, and comparisons with other states only serve to divert attention from the proper resolution,” he added.
Salleh concluded by stating that Sabah is not seeking preferential treatment; rather, it is advocating for accuracy, transparency, and adherence to constitutional principles.
