GRS Women chief: Sabah’s 40 pct revenue claim must not be delayed

KOTA KINABALU (April 7): Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement must not be further delayed, and the federal government should not use court proceedings as a reason to stall action, said Datuk Seri Panglima Azizah Mohd Dun.

The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Women chief said the state’s constitutional right cannot continue to be postponed on technical grounds, including the recent court-ordered stay.

“Do not use the court as an excuse for not acting. A stay does not mean negotiations must also stop. If there is genuine political will, discussions must continue without interruption,” she said when met on Monday.

Azizah said prolonged delays in negotiations reflect a failure to uphold rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, adding that Sabahans have waited for too long for what is rightfully theirs.

“This is not a new demand. This is a long-overdue right. How much longer must the people of Sabah wait?”

She stressed that failure to fulfil Sabah’s rights amounts to neglect of the state’s people, who are equal partners in Malaysia.

“The people of Sabah are not second-class citizens. We deserve fair treatment,” she said.

On another matter, Azizah dismissed claims that diesel subsidies in Sabah and Sarawak were politically motivated, describing such remarks as “irresponsible.”

She said the regions are entitled to benefit from their own resources and criticised those who questioned special considerations for Sabah despite its higher cost of living.

“Even with subsidies, Sabahans still face higher living costs due to policies such as cabotage and logistics. Do not speak as if Sabah is being overly ‘pampered’,” she said.

Azizah also called for increased Sabah parliamentary representation, saying the current allocation does not reflect the state’s size and needs.

“If there is genuine commitment to fairness, Sabah should be given more seats, moving closer to the one-third principle together with Sarawak,” she said.

She further urged that any increase in seats should provide greater opportunities for women leaders, noting that women make up nearly half of the electorate.

“Do not just allocate seats, but ensure winnable seats, not sacrificial ones,” she said.

Azizah added that the struggle for Sabah’s rights would continue until justice is achieved, stressing that the issue is about dignity, rights and the future of the people.