By Yussof J. Imbang
KOTA KINABALU; The people of Sabah are watching closely as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrives in the state today, hoping for encouraging updates on the long-pending 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
Chairman of the Sabah Government Supporters Club (BBC) Datuk Masiung Banah stressed that while legal proceedings concerning Sabah’s rights continue at the Court of Appeal, both the public and state leadership agree that two key tax components—already acknowledged and not under dispute—should begin receiving immediate disbursements.
“The most recent interpretation of Articles 112C and 112D must be put into effect this year. We therefore hope the Prime Minister brings good news for the people of Sabah,” he said in a statement issued yesterday afternoon.
Anwar is set to officiate the state-level Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang this morning.
Earlier, during Thursday’s special briefing on the Malaysia Agreement (MA63), all government representatives present reached a unanimous consensus: the federal government should swiftly implement these two agreed-upon frameworks for Sabah’s benefit.
Masiung noted that the uncontested elements discussed in the latest MA63 Implementation Committee meeting relate to customs revenues and taxes collected by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
The Prime Minister’s position on this issue carries significant weight and is eagerly awaited across the state.
According to estimates cited by the Sedco Group chairman, 40 per cent of Sabah’s rightful share from federal tax collections totals about RM7.547 billion, translating to a special allocation of RM3.019 billion.
The demand for 40 per cent remains a central point in ongoing discussions between Sabah and the federal government.
