KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah People’s Vision Party (Gagasan Rakyat) has described the increase in the interim payment to Sabah from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion as proof that the negotiation approach taken by the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is fruitful.
The Information Chief of Gagasan Rakyat, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, stated that the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reflects the strong relationship and close cooperation between the State Government and the Federal Government, which has successfully provided tangible benefits to the people of Sabah.
He noted that the increase in the interim payment also counters claims from certain parties alleging that the state government has failed to advocate for Sabah’s rights.
“In reality, the struggle for Sabah’s rights is not measured by political rhetoric or emotional statements on social media, but rather by the results that can be brought back for the state and its people.
“This increase in payment demonstrates that Sabah’s demands continue to be heard, considered, and translated into a greater financial commitment by the Federal Government,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the process of claiming and finalizing Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the implementation of the 40 percent share of the Federal net revenue, involves various legal, fiscal, administrative aspects, as well as the relationship between the state and federal governments.
In this regard, he emphasized that negotiations require patience, diligence, and mutual respect between both parties to ensure that the solutions reached can be effectively implemented.
“The State Government adopts a mature approach by firmly defending Sabah’s rights while simultaneously maintaining a good working relationship with the Federal Government.
“This approach allows negotiations to continue, opens up avenues for resolution, and secures a larger interim result while the final formula is being finalized,” he said.
