KOTA KINABALU: The RM1.5bil interim special grant is a temporary measure and not a substitute for Sabah’s 40% revenue return entitlement under the Federal Constitution, clarified the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak).
Press secretary Ahmad Farid Sainuri issued the statement on Tuesday (Sept 29) after media reports quoted Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud suggesting the continuation of the interim payment depended on retaining the government.
Ahmad Farid stressed that Mustapha’s remarks were taken out of context.
“The Minister intended to highlight the government’s unprecedented commitment under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which saw interim payments increase from RM300mil in 2023 to RM600mil in 2024, and now RM1.5bil annually,” he said.
He reiterated that Sabah’s constitutional rights remain fully protected. The final calculation formula, actual amount, and implementation mechanism for the 40% entitlement are actively being finalised between the state and federal governments, with a priority on resolving all Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) matters in line with the Constitution.
