The Federal Government’s decision on whether to appeal the recent High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement will be a key test of its understanding of Sabah’s expectations, says Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said he hoped the good working relationship between the GRS-led State Government and Putrajaya would pave the way for a fair and just outcome for Sabah, as the issue went beyond politics and touched on constitutional rights.
Joniston urged the Federal Government to respect the ruling made under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution, which reaffirmed Sabah’s entitlement to 40 per cent of the net revenue derived from the State—a provision left unfulfilled since 1974.
He said honouring the court’s decision would be a defining step in closing the development gap between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure and basic amenities still lag behind.
Joniston, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief, made the remarks during a meet-the-people session at Kampung Talantang, where he also handed over Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) homes to local recipients.
