Act swiftly on Sabah’s revenue entitlement, says STARSabah chief

KOTA KINABALU (April 7): Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STARSabah) president Datuk Seri Panglima Jeffrey G. Kitingan has urged the Sabah government to take a firm stance in ensuring a proper review of the state’s 40 per cent Special Grant, despite the Court of Appeal’s decision to grant a stay of execution on the High Court ruling.

Dr Jeffrey said the stay was anticipated but expressed concern over the federal government’s actions following the High Court decision.

“Firstly, despite the purported decision by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Cabinet not to appeal, an appeal was in fact filed.

“There was a belated application for a stay of execution, which was subsequently granted by the Court of Appeal,” he said.

Dr Jeffrey also voiced concerns over what he described as inaction in carrying out a review of the ‘Lost Years’ dating back to 1974, which the High Court had directed to be conducted within 90 days from its decision on Oct 17, 2025.

“Additionally, there has been a failure to meet and discuss to reach an agreement on the amount of the 40 per cent.

“The directive was to agree on the quantum, not the actual payment,” he added.

Dr Jeffrey said such developments have led to growing scepticism among Sabahans regarding the federal government’s sincerity in honouring the constitutional entitlement.

“Sabahans cannot be faulted for questioning the sincerity of the federal government.

“It is therefore not surprising that reactions on social media have included calls for Sabah to exit Malaysia,” Dr Jeffrey said.

He stressed that the responsibility now lies with the state government to determine its next course of action.

“As every Sabahan is aware, there has been no proper review of the 40 per cent payable since 1974, as rightly pointed out in the High Court decision.

“Hence, the 90-day timeline was set to ensure a proper review is conducted.

“Unfortunately, both the federal and state governments failed to carry out this constitutional and mandatory requirement under Article 112D,” he said.

Dr Jeffrey emphasised that the stay of execution should not be used as a justification to delay the review process.

“Notwithstanding the stay, there is no excuse not to carry out the mandatory review.

“The stay should not be an excuse to deny or delay what is clearly a constitutional obligation,” he said.

He called on the state government to remain steadfast in insisting that the review be conducted and that an agreement on the actual amount payable be reached as soon as possible.

“A speedy review would ensure that the actual 40 per cent entitlement for 2026 can be honoured by the end of the year,” he said.

Dr Jeffrey added that if both parties fail to reach an agreement, provisions under Article 112D(6) allow for the appointment of an independent assessor to determine the amount payable.

He also supported a similar call nominated by assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin, urging compliance with constitutional requirements.

“The continued acceptance of delay cannot replace compliance with the constitutional obligation to return the 40 per cent Special Grant,” he said.