SANDAKAN: Frankie Poon Ming Fung, the Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) candidate for Tanjong Papat state seat, has issued a stark warning that the Federal Government’s “partial appeal” against the High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40% net tax revenue entitlement is a legal gambit that could nullify decades of the state’s hard-won rights.
Poon, who is also a lawyer, argued that the appeal, despite its name, procedurally allows the appellate court to re-examine the entire case, posing a severe risk to the foundational ruling secured by Sabah.
“As a lawyer, I understand clearly that a ‘partial appeal’ is procedurally equivalent to a full appeal,” Poon stated.
“The appellate court thus gains the power to re-examine the entire case. If the judges perceive logical connections between different parts of the case, they can conduct a comprehensive review. This is by no means limited to disputing specific clauses; it could potentially undermine the very foundation of the entire ruling.”
He accused Peninsular Malaysia-based political parties of employing a “two-faced strategy”: publicly vowing to respect the 40% revenue ruling while simultaneously using federal legal channels to challenge the key clauses necessary for its implementation.
“This is like acknowledging your right, but refusing to give you the tools to exercise it,” Poon said. “This strategy is highly deceptive, and the people of Sabah must see its true nature.”
Poon further emphasized that the push to include promises on Sabah’s rights in the manifestos of these Peninsular-based parties came from their local Sabah representatives, not from the central leadership.
“This further reveals the actual standing of Sabah’s rights within the overall strategy of Peninsular-based parties,” he added, suggesting that the commitment from these parties is not genuine at the highest level.
With the upcoming 17th Sabah General Election in focus, Poon made a strong appeal to the electorate, urging them to be vigilant.
“Voters in Sabah must not be misled by the superficial promises of Peninsular-based parties. We Sabahans must take control of our own destiny and make our voices heard through our votes,” he declared. “Only by supporting the local KDM party, which is genuinely rooted in Sabah, can we ensure our rights are not sacrificed in political games.”
He concluded by framing the upcoming election as a critical juncture for Sabah’s future, noting that it took decades to secure legal recognition for the 40% entitlement, and this achievement is now at risk.
“This is a historic moment for Sabah’s rights,” Poon stated. “Our choices will determine the future of our descendants.” – James Leong
