KOTA KINABALU: A Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leader says the Federal Government’s next move on the 40% revenue entitlement would be a real test of how well it understands the state's expectations.
With only days left before Putrajaya decides whether or not to appeal the recent High Court ruling, GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said he hoped that their good working relationship would pave the way for a favourable and just outcome for Sabah.
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"This is not just a political issue that demands political will, but it's about respecting, honouring and fulfilling Sabah's rights.
"We hope Putrajaya will acknowledge this and demonstrate genuine commitment to honour what has been guaranteed under the Constitution," he said during a meet-the-people session at Kampung Talantang in Kiulu, on Wednesday (Nov 5).
Bangkuai said the Federal Government surely knew that any move to appeal the High Court ruling would not sit well with the people, so this is not the time to be tone-deaf to Sabahans' expectations.
The High Court recently ruled that the Federal Government must review Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement with the state government within 90 days and reach a new agreement within 180 days.
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The ruling, made under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution and Section 2(1), Part IV of the Tenth Schedule, reaffirms Sabah’s constitutional right to 40% of the net revenue derived from the state – a provision left unfulfilled since 1974.
Bangkuai, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief, said honouring the court’s decision would be a defining step in bridging Sabah’s development gap with Peninsular Malaysia, especially in rural areas where infrastructure, agriculture and basic amenities continued to lag.
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"Sabahans have waited long enough.
"What people want now is not excuses or further delay, but firm action and genuine political courage to honour what was agreed," he said, adding that PBS would continue to push for the state’s constitutional rights to be realised.
Earlier, he handed over the keys to Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) homes at Kampung Talantang.
To date, Kiulu has received more than 100 SMJ homes, with constituents welcoming the state's recent announcement to increase SMJ homes to 50 units per constituency next year.
