KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry’s Secretary General has written to the Sabah State Secretary to begin negotiations on the 40% revenue entitlement, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the letter was sent to prevent further delays in talks between the Federal and Sabah Governments.
“I have been informed that the Treasury Secretary General has written to his counterpart in Sabah,” he said on Thursday (Nov 13).
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat during Minister’s Question Time on Thursday (Nov 13), Anwar said the letter requested negotiations to start right away to avoid delay.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the Federal Government will not appeal the High Court ruling on the 40% failure.
He said the ruling declared the failure to pay Sabah 40% of net revenue as unlawful and unconstitutional and added Putrajaya will appeal only the grounds of judgment as the reasoning contained flawed and excessive statements.
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Anwar said the Sabah Government is under an interim caretaker administration, but added that this should not prevent technical discussions from proceeding.
“At the very least, the Treasury Secretary General and the State Secretary can begin technical discussions,” he said.
He said this includes points raised in the judgment through a technical committee.
“Decisions requiring approval from the Finance Minister, Chief Minister or Cabinet will wait until after the state election,” he said.
He said formal decisions will follow once a new government is formed and added that there is no reason why preliminary technical talks cannot proceed first as this will ease formal negotiations.
Anwar said the government cannot remain silent in the face of the judgment.
“Can we stay quiet when it says our actions have been unconstitutional since 1974,” he said.
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Anwar said the ruling described actions as illegal, irrational, procedurally improper and disproportionate.
He said such language has not been used before in a case involving successive governments.
“Our duty is to maintain good relations between the state and the Federation,” he said.
Anwar said the government welcomes rational dialogue and cooperation.
“There are reasonable parties willing to sit down for discussions,” he said.
Anwar added negotiations will move faster when both sides adopt a positive approach.
“If we take an antagonistic stance, it will delay things further. We have handed several projects to the state. Let us maintain this spirit of unity,” he said.
“If divisive sentiments take over, the people will suffer,” he added.
He said those without water, electricity or proper roads will bear the cost.
