KOTA KINABALU: The decision of Putrajaya not to appeal the High Court decision on Sabah 40% revenue rights is a reflection of strong state-federal relations, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“In my meetings and engagements with the Prime Minister, I have conveyed the state government’s firm position that Sabah’s constitutional rights must be respected, honoured and fulfilled,” he said in an immediate response to the federal Cabinet’s decision not to appeal.
He said the decision demonstrated that the Prime Minister understood Sabah’s expectations and aspirations, and reflects his genuine commitment to uphold what was guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.
In expressing the Sabah government’s gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he said that the decision not to appeal the High Court ruling reaffirming Sabah’s constitutional right to the 40 per cent special grant was “historic.”
Hajij said that this defines a step toward narrowing Sabah’s development gap with Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure, agriculture, and basic amenities continue to lag behind.
“Sabahans have waited long enough. What is needed now is firm action and genuine political will to honour and implement the 40 per cent entitlement,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government remained ready to engage constructively with the Federal Government to implement the court’s directive to review and finalise the agreement, while calling on the people to continue supporting the Prime Minister’s leadership.
