KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s presidential council is appealing to the federal government and the Prime Minister not to appeal against the Oct 17 High Court decision affirming Sabah’s rights to the return of 40% revenue earned from the state by the federal government.
“This (legal) victory is not just about numbers on a balance sheet. It is about restoring faith in justice to every Sabahan who has been told to wait — year after year — for basic necessities that others in Malaysia have enjoyed for decades.
“It is about ensuring that no village remains in darkness, no school without proper facilities, and no community left behind simply because the funds that rightfully belonged to Sabah never arrived,” the GRS leaders said in a statement Friday following a presidential meeting.
“Sabah’s claim is not a demand, but a right. It is a constitutional duty that transcends governments and political terms. Upholding it demonstrates that Malaysia is governed by law and good faith, not convenience,” the leaders said.
“Let this be the moment the Federal Government not only keeps its promises, but begins to heal the decades of neglect felt by the people of Sabah. The Prime Minister will be remembered by all Sabahans and Malaysians as a leader who cares,” he said.
The state said that the GRS presidential council had taken note of the grounds of judgment delivered by the Kota Kinabalu High Court decision affirming Sabah’s constitutional right to the 40% special grant for the years 1974 to 2021 from the Federal Government.
The GRS presidential council said it was not merely a legal matter — it is a question of honouring the Constitution.
Under Article 112C and Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, together with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), it formed the very basis of Sabah’s agreement for the formation of Malaysia.
“The judgment simply gives effect to what has always been written and agreed,” the GRS leaders said, urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Federal Government not to appeal the decision.
“The Court has not imposed any financial quantum penalty - only directed that the long-overdue constitutional review be carried out in accordance with Article 112C and Article 112D.
“To appeal would be to oppose the process of negotiation itself, not the outcome,” the statement said.
Following the High Court ruling, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had immediately directed the state Finance Ministry, the Sabah Economic Planning Unit (EPU), and the State Attorney General’s Chambers to study the grounds of judgment in detail.
“The state is ready and prepared for a meaningful engagement with the Federal Government in strict compliance with the orders of the court to hold a review and finalise an agreement for what is due and owing.
“For far too long, ordinary Sabahans, from Pitas to Pensiangan, have lived with power cuts, unpaved roads, and clinics without doctors. Not for want of effort or ability, but because the resources due to Sabah have not been delivered in full,” the statement read.
In this regard, the GRS presidential council assured the Prime Minister that under Hajiji's leadership, Sabah will always maintain a constructive and respectful working relationship with Putrajaya.
“We stand firm in our unequivocal support for the Prime Minister. As Malaysians, we take pride in his distinguished leadership, which has elevated our nation’s standing on the global stage. The PM’s approach, marked by inclusion, openness, and genuine regard for the aspirations of Sabahans, resonates deeply with all of us.
“Through the Prime Minister and his administration’s commitment to Sabah, the GRS government has successfully obtained 13 of the 29 claims under the MA63 claims from the federal government.
“We reaffirm GRS’s absolute and uncompromising pursuit, on behalf of the over three million people of Sabah, of the full benefit of all entitlements under the Federal Constitution and MA63,” the statement added.
GRS presidential council’s call comes as Sabah leaders from both national and local parties have been urging the federal government not to appeal the High Court decision.
The AGC has till Nov 16 to file an appeal.
