KOTA KINABALU: Upko secretary-general Datuk Nelson W Angang warned that the Federal Government’s decision to file a “partial appeal” against the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s landmark 40 percent ruling could ultimately undermine the entire judgment.
He said although the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) claimed it was only appealing certain portions of the judgment, such as findings of abuse of power and constitutional breaches, the move could still lead to the whole ruling being overturned.
“The High Court’s findings are integrated and connected. If the appellate court agrees that part of the judgment is flawed, it could set aside the entire ruling including the finding that Sabah is entitled to the 40 percent revenue share,” he said.
Nelson said this meant that while the Federal Government may claim to respect Sabah’s constitutional rights, the appeal could, in effect, erase the very judgment that affirmed them.
Earlier, the AGC said the decision to appeal was made after a special Cabinet meeting, adding that talks with the Sabah government on the 40 percent revenue formula would begin immediately.
