Push for full implementation of MA63 in next GE, says Salleh

The former chief minister says Sabah and Sarawak should not just wait for a court ruling.

Salleh Said Keruak said these politicians should not just wait for a court ruling on MA63, Sabah’s entitlement to 40% of net federal revenue and equitable development.

He said such issues should also be addressed politically and a general election was an ideal platform to do so.

Salleh said Sabah and Sarawak collectively make up 56 of the 222 parliamentary seats in the Dewan Rakyat.

And in many cases, no federal government can be formed without this support, including efforts to reach a two-thirds majority, he said.

“This position must be used strategically. Strong numbers create bargaining power.

“Without it, demands can be delayed. With it, these issues become central in forming a government,” he said in a Facebook post.

Salleh said these issues must be decided by the people and turned into clear commitments in election manifestos.

Last year, the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled that the federal government had breached its constitutional duties by failing to honour Sabah’s 40% share of net revenue for the “lost years” of 1974 to 2021.

It also gave the federal government three months to conduct a review with the Sabah government to determine the quantum of the 40% entitlement for the years in question.

Earlier this week, the Court of Appeal allowed the federal government’s application for a stay of execution on the order.

Last month, the Sarawak government filed a petition to challenge three federal laws, and intends to oppose a bid by Petronas to seek judicial clarity regarding the legislation governing its operations in the state.

The three laws are the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Continental Shelf Act 1966, and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 which the Sarawak government said affected Sarawak’s boundaries established prior to Malaysia’s formation.