By JAMES LEONG
SANDAKAN: The MA63 Implementation Action Council meeting in Kota Kinabalu today, 11 September, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and expected to be attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, must be the meeting that moves Sabah’s 40% constitutional entitlement from principle to payment.
It has been reported that the Sabah Government will make the 40% entitlement a key agenda item, and that the Federal Government has agreed in principle to Sabah receiving the 40%, although certain technical matters remain unresolved. This is encouraging, but the focus must now shift from whether Sabah is entitled to the 40% to how and when that constitutional entitlement will actually be implemented.
Former Tanjong Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung urged the Prime Minister and the leaders of Sabah and Sarawak to use today’s meeting to produce concrete, measurable progress. On the 40% entitlement, there must be clarity on the formula and methodology for calculating federal revenue derived from Sabah; transparency of revenue figures for independent verification; the effective period and treatment of outstanding sums; a definite payment timetable; an automatic annual calculation and payment mechanism; and a clear dispute-resolution mechanism.
Sabah’s 40% entitlement should not be treated as financial assistance, an additional development allocation or a political concession by the Federal Government. It is a constitutional entitlement, Poon stressed.
“Malaysia will mark its 63rd anniversary on 16 September, just five days after this important MA63 meeting. There could hardly be a more fitting occasion for the Federal Government, Sabah and Sarawak to demonstrate that MA63 is not merely commemorated every Malaysia Day, but that its terms and constitutional safeguards are actually implemented. The people of Sabah have waited long enough,” he said.
The revenue constitutionally due to Sabah can make a tremendous difference to water supply, electricity, roads, healthcare, education and other essential infrastructure, while creating conditions to attract investment and generate better employment. For Sandakan and Sabah’s East Coast in particular, adequate electricity, water and infrastructure are prerequisites for meaningful industrial and economic development, Poon continued.
A stronger Sabah means a stronger Malaysia. Honouring the commitments made to Sabah and Sarawak strengthens confidence in Malaysia and reinforces the foundations upon which our Federation was established.
“I therefore welcome Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng’s public support for Sabah’s 40% entitlement,” Poon added.
“But the most important development now is today’s meeting. The Prime Minister, Sabah Chief Minister and Sarawak Premier have an opportunity to show that federal-state relations have entered a new phase — from discussion to decision, and from decision to implementation. After the meeting, Sabahans deserve a clear account of what has been agreed, what remains outstanding, and when the 40% entitlement will actually be paid. This Malaysia Day, Sabah does not need another general assurance; it needs a clear formula, a clear timetable and actual implementation,” he said.
Poon urged the Prime Minister and the leaders of Sabah and Sarawak to use today’s meeting to produce concrete, measurable progress.
