Sabah, S’wak must receive fairer, more equitable share of devt funds from Budget 2027 onwards, says STARSabah chief

PUTRAJAYA (Sept 22): Sabah and Sarawak must receive a fairer and more equitable share of federal development funds from Budget 2027 onwards, said Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STARSabah) president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

He said the allocations must correspond with their geographical size, population, development needs, infrastructure deficits and contributions to the national economy.

“This is necessary to enable both Borneo states to develop according to their true potential and catch up with the more advanced states in the Peninsula,” he said in a statement.

He proposed that Sabah’s constitutional entitlement of 40 per cent be calculated and paid from 2026.

“As for the entitlement for the lost years from 1974 to 2021, it can be discussed and negotiated separately between the federal and Sabah governments,” he said.

He also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim now has a golden opportunity to demonstrate the political will and leadership needed to make the payment of Sabah’s per cent constitutional entitlement a reality.

“Materialising this payment would not only fulfil a constitutional obligation but also provide Sabah with the financial resources needed to improve essential infrastructure, eradicate poverty, stimulate economic growth and uplift the overall well-being of its people.

“At the same, Sabah will contribute substantially to the national economy.

“The immediate priority must be to stop the continuing accumulation of unpaid entitlements and establish a clear and transparent mechanism for the proper calculation and payment of Sabah’s per cent entitlement moving forward,” said Dr Jeffrey.

He also stressed that Budget 2027 must not repeat the allocation patterns of the past.

“It should mark the beginning of a fairer federal development policy that recognises Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the Federation and enables both regions to enjoy development comparable with Malaya.

“Correcting this regional imbalance is not merely a question of funding. It is a matter of constitutional responsibility, fairness and the future stability and prosperity of Malaysia,” he said.