KOTA KINABALU: RM17bil has been allocated to Sabah this year for developmental needs, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Responding to questions from shoppers during a walk at the Sunday Gaya Street market on Sunday (Nov 9), Anwar said the Federal Government earned about RM10bil in revenue from the state last year but was allocating about RM17bil.
He had been asked when Sabah would receive its 40% revenue return, to which Anwar replied by questioning if the man was aware of the federal government’s financial commitment to the state.
The person argued that the 40% tax revenue and development allocation were different, but Anwar did not have time to explain the numbers in detail.
A video of the discussion between the Prime Minister and shoppers went viral on social media.
The issue of the 40% federal revenue resurfaced after the October 17 Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling.
The ruling ordered the federal and state governments to work out payment details required under the Constitution within 180 days.
During his hour-long walk, Anwar took selfies with shoppers and chatted with tourists and hawkers after arriving at about 8.50am.
He was greeted by Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah and state Infrastructure Development and Entrepreneur Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Sze.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud also joined the Prime Minister.
Anwar had nasi lemak at a coffee shop along the street.
Many people were pleasantly surprised to meet Anwar at the Gaya Street Sunday market.
