Increased allocations not equal to 40 percent of Sabah’s revenue rights – UPKO

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) deputy president Senator Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin pointed out that an increase in allocations for Sabah does not equate to 40 percent revenue rights that Sabah is supposed to receive as guaranteed by the constitution.

He called upon the federal government to implement Sabah’s 40 percent revenue rights as stated in Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.

“What we want from the federal government is not just a temporary payment or a conditional promise, but a formal recognition of Sabah’s rights as provided for in the constitution.

“Until these rights are fully recognised and implemented, this struggle will not be over. This is not a party or individual struggle – this is a struggle for the people of Sabah to reclaim what has long been our right.

“We demand real implementation, not just protracted negotiations,” Mojuntin said.

Earlier today Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his ministerial statement said that Putrajaya would decide whether to appeal Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling that called for the 40 percent be given to Sabah, after consulting the attorney general.

Anwar said that the ruling caused misleading interpretations as if the federal government only took Sabah’s revenue without contributing to the state’s development.

Anwar pointed out that as part of his initiative to address demands under Malaysia Agreement, more funds were allocated to Sabah.

Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled on Friday that Putrajaya acted unlawfully and beyond its powers by failing to honor Sabah’s 40 percent shares for fir close to five decades.

In a related development Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Ewon Benedick Minister who is also UPKO president confirmed that he would quit the cabinet if Putrajaya appealed against the ruling.