MA63 Implementation Action Council’s technical committee should lead 40% entitlement review, says deputy minister

Deputy Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin has called for the existing technical committee under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council to lead the 40% entitlement review process.

“I take note of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to resolving all outstanding MA63 matters, enhancing the Special Grant rate for Sabah, and increasing annual operational and development allocations to uplift the well-being and prosperity of the people of Sabah,” said Chan who is also DAP policy director in a statement.

“Following the briefing session, I personally expressed to the Prime Minister that now is the time for both Federal and State Governments to work in unity and good faith to ensure that Sabah’s constitutional rights under MA63 are upheld through genuine dialogue, mutual trust, and transparent implementation.

“I also proposed that the existing Technical Committee under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (JKTMTPMA63) be mandated to lead the 40% entitlement review process within the 90-day timeframe set by the Court.

“Both the Federal and Sabah Governments, through JKTMTPM63, are currently formulating a new mechanism to determine the future calculation of the Special Grant—consistent with the principles and spirit of MA63.”

Yesterday Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that the federal government has increased allocations for Sabah and Putrajaya would be reviewing the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling that found the federal government at fault for granting Sabah’s 40 percent constitutional revenue.

Chan also urged the Finance Ministry to disclose the actual amount of federal revenue obtained from Sabah for the sake of transparency.

“It is also timely for the Ministry of Finance to disclose the actual amount of federal revenue collected from Sabah, to promote transparency and prevent any misunderstanding or misrepresentation by other parties.

“This moment marks an important step forward in strengthening federal-state cooperation and reaffirming our shared commitment to equitable development for the people of Sabah.”

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