BY JST
KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah has welcomed and appreciated the recent clarification by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
Sabah BN Director of Strategy and Communications Datuk Ir Aziz Julkarnain said the Prime Minister’s firm statement that the 40 per cent special grant is “final” and not in dispute sends an important and reassuring signal to the people of Sabah.
“For decades, Sabahans have consistently voiced their aspirations for the full recognition and implementation of the rights agreed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The Prime Minister’s clear assurance that the federal government is not appealing Sabah’s entitlement itself represents a positive development and strengthens confidence that this long-standing issue can be resolved in a constructive and meaningful manner,” he said.
Aziz also sought to clarify concerns surrounding the legal action taken by the Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia (AGC) following the recent High Court decision in Kota Kinabalu.
He explained that the appeal forms part of the normal legal process and is limited to seeking clarification on specific aspects of the judgement, particularly issues relating to alleged errors in the judge’s written grounds.
“The Prime Minister has clearly explained that the legal action is not about disputing Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement, which he has stated is settled and undisputed.
“Rather, it concerns certain statements in the judgement that appeared to question or cast doubt on the roles and legacies of past national and Sabah leaders involved in shaping the country and the state,” he said.
According to Aziz, the clarification helps ensure that the legal process is properly understood and prevents unnecessary confusion among the public regarding the federal government’s position on Sabah’s rights.
At the same time, he called on leaders across Sabah, regardless of political affiliation, to approach the matter with a spirit of unity and responsibility.
“The issue of Sabah’s rights must rise above political differences because it concerns the collective future and wellbeing of our people,” he said.
Aziz suggested that the current development provides an opportunity for Sabah leaders to come together through a roundtable platform to discuss and contribute constructively towards the technical mechanism for implementing the 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
“By presenting a united and constructive voice from Sabah, we can help ensure that the process moves forward smoothly and that the aspirations of Sabahans are realised in a fair and dignified manner,” he added.
He stressed that BN Sabah remains committed to playing a constructive role in strengthening unity among Sabah leaders so that Sabah’s rightful revenues can be returned to support the development, progress and prosperity of the people across the state.
