KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional will leave it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to bring the matter of Sabah’s 40% net revenue entitlement to the Cabinet, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Barisan chairman said that while the coalition respects the High Court’s decision on the matter, its implementation must be handled at the federal level.
“Officially, we respect the decision of the court, and, of course, party-wise, we are together with the voice of the people of Sabah,” he said.
“At the government level, we must analyse the decision in terms of rationality and financial ability. However, we will leave it to the Prime Minister to bring this matter to the Cabinet meeting for discussions,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters here yesterday.
Asked how Barisan could help Sabah realise its 40% claim if it won the Nov 29 state election, Ahmad Zahid said the party will look at this matter from its manifesto and “Aku Janji” policy.
“The manifesto and ‘Aku Janji’ will be our basis to deliver to the people. What matters is for Sabah to become a developed state,” he said, adding that issues such as infrastructure and basic amenities like water and electricity must be resolved within one term.
Across the political divide, Sabah leaders continue to hail the High Court’s ruling as a landmark decision that demands fulfilment.
Sabah PKR, in a statement, described the decision as “good news” and a long-awaited victory after 48 years without a review of the state’s constitutional entitlement.
It said the return of 40% was not just a financial issue but a symbol of justice and respect for the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“We urge the new state government to immediately engage with its federal counterparts within 90 days, as instructed by the court, and ensure the implementation of this 40% within the stipulated time frame,” it said.
“Sabah PKR affirms our commitment to being the people’s voice in ensuring that this federal right will no longer be delayed by bureaucracy or politics,” it said, adding that the restored revenue would strengthen state finances and fund infrastructure, education, healthcare and welfare initiatives.
Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee also welcomed the ruling, calling it an “important and historic decision” long awaited by Sabahans.
“It aligns with Sabah’s rightful claims under the Federal Constitution, long denied. In the spirit of Malaysia’s formation, it is best if the Attorney General’s Chambers does not file an appeal against the High Court’s decision,” he said.
