KOTA KINABALU: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI) today announced the appointment of Arthur Eric Lee as the new acting party youth chief, following the resignation of former youth chief Nazarul Khaiwala early this year.
In a statement, Party President Datuk Henrynus Amin said Arthur has also been appointed the Party Chief Coordinator for Penampang to reorganize and renew the Penampang Branch.
He said Arthur enjoys the full confidence of the Party Central Committee, having shown exemplary leadership as a committee member—particularly in managing party information and reorganizing the party’s social media channels in the last state general election.
Alongside Arthur, the party announced the appointment of Sabrezani Sabdin, who is in his late 30s, as the new Youth Secretary.
Together, Arthur and Sabrezani will spearhead the formation of new youth wings and organize activities across all levels, with a specific focus on recruiting young members.
As an accomplished youth trainer, Arthur has also been directed by the party to conduct training programs focused on political awareness and leadership development.
Building a New Generation of Leaders
Datuk Henrynus stated that the appointment of Arthur is part of ANAK NEGERI’s ongoing efforts to recruit and groom young leaders to helm the party’s future leadership.
The party highlighted its youthful, dynamic core line-up:
Trevor Maringking (Secretary-General): In his early 40s, the newly appointed Secretary-General is responsible for the party’s administration, reorganization, and rebranding.
Priskila Akwila (Women’s Chief): A lawyer by profession in her early 30s, she is actively recruiting young women into the political fold.
Nilyani: A young leader in her late 20s who is currently working while pursuing her master’s degree, she will be assisting the women’s chief in wing operations.
The statement emphasized that while the party is actively elevating young talent, the “old guards” remain highly relevant and will continue to guide emerging leaders as they prepare to take over the mantle of leadership.
Unwavering Support for Sabah’s 40% Revenue Rights
During its recent Central Committee meeting, ANAK NEGERI expressed its full support for the efforts taken by the Sabah State Government to secure its 40% constitutional net revenue entitlement.
The party urged all Sabah political parties, civil societies, and the general public to stand firmly behind the Sabah Chief Minister, YAB DSP Hajiji Noor, and the state government in ongoing negotiations with the federal government.
”All Sabahans should be united, and seen to be united, rather than politically divided over the 40% issue,” Henrynus stressed.
He reminded all quarters that Sabah successfully won its court case through the Sabah Law Society (SLS).
Therefore, the issue is no longer about proving state rights but rather how to implement the court’s decision. ANAK NEGERI fully understands the legal process and urges all stakeholders to respect the court’s ruling.
A Two-Track Proposal for Federal Compliance
The ANAK NEGERI Central Committee has resolved to submit a comprehensive proposal to both the Sabah chief minister and the prime minister, detailing a two-track approach to resolve federal compliance regarding the court decision.
As part of this initiative, ANAK NEGERI has submitted a memorandum to Datuk Roger Chin (Nominated State Assemblyman and former President of the Sabah Law Society), with a copy sent to the Sabah Chief Minister. He said his discussion with Datuk Roger Chin recently on payment strategy was very fruitful.
Furthermore, Henrynus disclosed that the party had met earlier with Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department) to formally convey the party’s stance on Sabah’s 40% financial entitlement.
Proposed Timeline and Payment Mechanism
Under the party’s proposed two-track approach, the timeline is split into two distinct categories regardless of the actual quantum to be agreed upon by the state and federal government:
Track 1: Arrears (1974 – 2021) – As the core subject of the SLS legal challenge, the party proposes that these historical claims should continue to be resolved through the formal court process.
Track 2: Current Entitlements (2022 – Present) – The party proposes that the federal government should bypass lengthy court delays for recent years and immediately negotiate and pay the state’s ongoing constitutional entitlements.
Two-Tier Payment Structure
To ease federal fiscal concerns regarding massive, immediate lump-sum payouts to the state, ANAK NEGERI suggested a strategic two-tier payment system for the agreed amounts:
50% Cash Grant: Paid directly to the Sabah State Government.
50% Federal Service Credit: Treated as a federal debt payable annually. To ensure maximum utility for the state, these funds will not revert to the federal government if they go unused within a specific fiscal year.
ANAK NEGERI expressed strong confidence that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Unity Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Sabah State government under Chief Minister DSP Hajiji Noor will resolve the 40% revenue issue within months, rather than years.
