KOTA KINABALU: DAP Sabah expressed strong disappointment over the court’s decision to grant a stay on Sabah’s 40pc net revenue entitlement, calling it a setback that “brings us back to square one” after decades of delay.
Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said it is clear that the 40pc entitlement is enshrined in the Federal Constitution and must not be subjected to indefinite uncertainty or vague timelines.
“The Federal Government must provide a definitive date and a concrete roadmap for implementation…Sabahans deserve more than general assurances,” he said in a statement.
Phoong also warned that failing to deliver this constitutional right, a GE15 manifesto promise, would carry significant political consequences.
“This continued delay only prolongs a long-standing issue that has already taken decades to resolve. In effect, it brings us back to square one. Sabahans will now see little distinction between the Madani Government and previous administrations on this matter.
“It is unequivocally clear that the 40% entitlement is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and it must not be subjected to indefinite uncertainty or vague timelines,” said Phoong.
He said what is most concerning is the lack of clarity moving forward. Sabahans deserve more than general assurances—they deserve a clear and firm timeline on when and how this constitutional right will be implemented. It is no longer acceptable for this matter to remain open-ended.
“We therefore urge the Federal Government to provide a definitive date and a concrete roadmap for resolving the 40% entitlement. This must include transparent engagement with the Sabah State Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that progress is measurable and accountable.
“This issue must be addressed without further delay. It is about restoring fairness, upholding constitutional guarantees, and ensuring Sabah has the fiscal capacity it rightfully deserves for its development,” added Phoong.
DAP Sabah also reminds the Prime Minister and the Madani Government that delivering 40% – the long-overdue justice to Sabahans was a commitment made in Pakatan Harapan’s GE15 manifesto. Any failure to honour this promise will come at significant political cost.
DAP Sabah and its state leadership remain steadfast in defending Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Phoong said this issue must be addressed without further delay.
