KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth chief of Penampang United Kinabalu Progressive Organization (UPKO) Billy Joe Dominic
highlighted that despite the demand for 40 percent of the federal revenue in Sabah, there has been no solution.
He pointed out that while many individuals express their opinions on social media, newspapers, and coffee shops, none of them have taken the initiative to propose a payment mechanism to both the Federal Government and Sabah State Government.
“As the President of UPKO and a member of the Federal Cabinet, who is also part of the Malaysian Agreement Resolution Action Council (MTPMA63), Ewon has been called upon to lead the effort in finding a payment mechanism.
“This involves organizing a round table discussion with Sabah leaders who possess expertise in the relevant field,” he said in a statement, here today.
Billy said the repayment of 40 percent entails complex matters related to taxation, revenue, accounting, and auditing.
Professionals in the accounting and legal sectors have acknowledged the technical nature of these issues, he said.
“During the round table discussions, I had the opportunity to listen to these experts.
“The objective of the round table discussion held on December 19 was to assist the State Government in presenting the most effective mechanism for the payment of 40 percent of the federal revenue from Sabah,” he added.
He said it is crucial for the State Government to make the payment demand.
Billy said the Federal Government has set a deadline of July this year for the submission of the payment mechanism.
“Instead of idly waiting or resorting to media outbursts, like Henrynus, we must proactively take the initiative to ensure the success of our claim.
“This initiative is driven by UPKO, as a local party in Sabah, which seeks a resolution to these rights claims.
“The suggestion put forth by Ewon and UPKO is open to other parties who may have alternative proposals.
“We welcome them to submit their proposals to the State Government for discussion in the State Cabinet meeting, before further engagement with the Federal Government,” he said.
