SANDAKAN: Six Warisan assemblymen in this area voiced their serious concerns and disappointment over the recent Court of Appeal decision that allows a stay on the High Court ruling about Sabah’s claim to 40% of the federal government’s net revenue.
The assemblymen include Calvin Chong (N55 Elopura), Lisa Alban (N52 Sungai Sibuga), Alias Hj. Sani (N53 Sekong), Arunanarsin Taib (N50 Gum-Gum), Alex Wong (N54 Karamunting), and Alex Thien (N56 Tanjong Papat).
They pointed out that this stay decision once again shows how Sabah’s rights are being delayed, even though they have been acknowledged through legal processes.
This situation cannot continue, as it concerns rights that have been established for a long time but have not been fully realized.
The earlier High Court ruling clearly stated that the federal government has not met its obligations regarding special grants to Sabah as outlined in Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
Thus, even though the Court of Appeal has allowed the stay for procedural reasons, the acknowledgment of Sabah’s rights is undeniable and should not be postponed any longer.
The Warisan Assemblymen argue that the federal government can no longer use excuses, including the appeal process, to justify delaying the implementation of these rights.
The demand for 40% of the revenue is not a new matter; it has been an ongoing issue for decades without a fair solution. Ongoing delays will only strengthen the view of political failure to honor the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Additionally, they feel that the inability to defend these rights is also due to the Sabah state government’s lack of political strength and courage.
Sandakan’s six Warisan assemblymen want the state government to take decisive action on Sabah’s 40% entitlement.
SANDAKAN: Six Warisan assemblymen here expressed serious concerns and deep disappointment on the recent developments related to the Court of Appeal’s decision to allow a stay on the High Court’s ruling concerning Sabah’s entitlement to 40% of the federal government’s net revenue.
They are Calvin Chong (N55 Elopura), Lisa Alban (N52 Sungai Sibuga), Alias Hj. Sani (N53 Sekong), Arunanarsin Taib (N50 Gum-Gum), Alex Wong (N54 Karamunting), and Alex Thien (N56 Tanjong Papat).
They emphasized that this stay decision once again highlights how Sabah’s rights continue to be postponed despite being recognized through judicial processes.
This situation cannot be allowed to persist as it involves rights that have long been enshrined but have not been fully implemented.
The previous High Court ruling clearly confirmed that the Federal government has failed to fulfill its obligation regarding the special grants to Sabah as stipulated under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
Therefore, even though the Court of Appeal has permitted the stay on procedural grounds, the recognition of Sabah’s rights cannot be disputed and should not be delayed any further.
The Warisan Assemblymen assert that the federal government can no longer use any excuses, including the appeal process, as justification for postponing the implementation of these rights.
The demand for 40% of the revenue is not a new issue; rather, it has been ongoing for decades without a fair resolution. Continuous delays will only reinforce the perception of political failure to respect the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
At the same time, they believe that the weakness in defending these rights is also due to the Sabah state government’s failure to demonstrate the necessary political firmness and courage.
