Sabah’s 40 pct revenue entitlement a constitutional right, not charity, says Luyang rep

KOTA KINABALU (March 7): Luyang assemblyman Samuel Wong has urged the federal government to immediately honour Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, stressing that Sabahans should not have to beg for what is already guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

He said the matter is no longer about negotiations but about justice, dignity and respect for Sabah as an equal partner in the Federation of Malaysia.

“Sabah is not asking for charity. We are not beggars. We are partners in the formation of Malaysia, and we deserve to be treated with dignity,” he said in a statement.

He noted that the High Court had already recognised Sabah’s constitutional right to the 40 per cent net revenue entitlement under Article 112C of the Federal Constitution.

However, Wong expressed disappointment over the slow pace of discussions between the federal and state governments.

He said 136 days after the High Court ruling last October, only three official meetings at the officers’ level had been held, raising concerns among Sabahan leaders.

“This delay is unacceptable. Sabahans have waited long enough. Meetings after meetings, statements after statements but Sabahans remain the ones waiting,” he said.

Wong also urged the Sabah state government to adopt a more proactive approach in its negotiations with the federal government.

“The Sabah government must take a firmer and more proactive approach in dealing with the federal government.

“This is not just another administrative issue, this concerns Sabah’s constitutional rights and the future development of our state,” he said.

He stressed the need for more frequent discussions and stronger representation to prevent further delays.

“Sabah leaders must stand firm and speak with one voice. The people expect their leaders to defend Sabah’s rights with courage and determination,” he said.

He also called on the federal government to withdraw its appeal against the court decision and implement the entitlement without further delay.

“This is not an election promise to be recycled every time a general election approaches. Sabahans have heard such promises for decades.

“The 40 per cent entitlement is not a political goodie to fish for votes, it is Sabah’s rightful share under the Constitution,” he said.

Wong warned that the prolonged uncertainty has left many Sabahans feeling sidelined within the federation.

“Why are Sabahans always treated like second-class citizens? This is not the spirit of equal partnership that Malaysia was founded upon,” he said.

He added that the federal government should not underestimate the growing public awareness and unity among Sabahans in defending their rights.

“The people of Sabah have awakened. Sabahans are increasingly united in defending our rights and dignity. The federal government must not underestimate the resolve of the people of Sabah,” he said.

He reiterated that the federal government must act decisively and respect Sabah’s constitutional rights.

“Sabah is not asking for special treatment. We are simply asking for what is rightfully ours. The 40 per cent entitlement must be honoured,” he said.