KOTA KINABALU: Former Federal Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak hails Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor for his strong stance on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, emphasising that it should receive support from all Sabahans, regardless of political affiliation.
On Friday, he reiterated Hajiji’s call for the 40% entitlement to be resolved and put into action without any further delays.
“This should not be a matter of party politics. As Chief Minister, Hajiji is the representative of Sabah in advocating for a constitutional right that belongs to its citizens.
“This right is already established. There is no need to modify the Constitution. The current focus should be on reaching an agreement regarding the formula and executing it,” he stated in a Facebook post.
Salleh emphasised that if the entire amount cannot be disbursed at once, both governments should come to a consensus on what can be implemented immediately and the method or form of payment.
He clarified that the RM1.5 billion is merely an interim special grant, not the final resolution of Sabah’s 40% entitlement.
“Thus, it should not undermine Sabah’s constitutional rights or the ongoing discussions regarding the actual formula and amount.
The ‘lost years’ can be addressed separately without hindering the current and future implementations,” he added.
Salleh remarked that Sabah has been patient long enough, stating, “On the 40%, Sabahans should unite in their voice, and Hajiji’s position is indeed Sabah’s position.
