Minister says RM1.5b Sabah interim grant shows federal government is listening

“KOTA KINABALU, May 30 — The increase in the special interim grant for Sabah, from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion, demonstrates the federal government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the state’s rightful claims gradually and responsibly. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, said the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim marks a significant achievement, reflecting the Madani Government’s determination to ensure that Sabah’s interests continue to receive due attention. "For the record, before the change of federal government in 2022, Sabah received only about RM26.7 million per year for decades, despite the 40 per cent revenue entitlement being enshrined in the Federal Constitution," he said in a statement today. He noted that under the current prime minister’s administration, Sabah has seen substantial year-on-year increases: RM125.6 million in 2022; RM300 million in 2023 and 2024; RM600 million in 2025 and 2026; and now the latest hike, raising it to RM1.5 billion. Mustapha emphasised that this consistent upward trend proves that the voices and demands of Sabah's people are not only being heard but are also being taken seriously by the Federal Government. Mustapha said the issue of Sabah's 40 per cent revenue entitlement has dragged on for decades. Resolving it fully, he said, requires strong political commitment and close cooperation between the state and federal governments. At the same time, he emphasised that the pursuit of Sabah's rights will continue until a more comprehensive and final settlement is reached, consistent with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as well as Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution. Therefore, he called for the continued application of a mature, prudent and forward-looking approach. This would ensure that Sabah's rights can be realised without undermining the stability and good relations within the Malaysian Federation. Mustapha also expressed confidence that under Anwar's leadership and the Madani vision, empowering Sabah and Sarawak will remain a priority for the federal government. — Bernama

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