Kota Kinabalu: PM Anwar said the Federal Government’s position on Sabah’s 40pc revenue entitlement has been clearly stated in Parliament and reinforced by the Cabinet’s decision, despite attempts by certain political groups to stir public sentiment.
Responding to a Daily Express question on whether he would give the same answer if asked by the same man at Gaya Street here during his working visit last Sunday, Anwar said the matter had been unnecessarily politicised by parties claiming to champion Sabah rights, including former ministers.
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He said the Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC) application in court expressly stated that the Government’s appeal does not touch the 40pc constitutional entitlement, and this was affirmed by the Cabinet.
“As the Prime Minister, I have explained this in Parliament. If people still want to dispute it despite the facts and the law, then it will become difficult,” he said.
He cautioned that some quarters were exaggerating the issue to inflame Sabahans’ emotions.
“I don’t think their claims are accurate. These statements are made for political gain, especially on sensitive matters like the 40pc,” he said.
Meanwhile, the PM also said corruption and abuse of power are not issues confined to Peninsular Malaysia, but affect the entire country, including Sabah and Sarawak. “Our core problem is governance,” he said.
Anwar said enforcement agencies had successfully recovered RM15.5 billion in the past two years alone through stricter anti-graft and anti-smuggling action.
“This is not a small figure. It includes cases from Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsula,” he said, noting that such achievements have received little public attention.
“You can imagine what happens when such issue implicating the enforcement becomes serious. This shows there were weaknesses in the system and issues linked to past leadership.
“But now, many suddenly act like heroes defending the previous system. I disagree, but I cannot make specific accusations without evidence,” he said.
He said he directs agencies such as Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), SPARC and the police to act independently and report progress weekly, without interference.
“There are syndicates, smugglers, and tax evaders. These are major issues. This Government is taking them seriously,” he said.
Anwar said it will take time for the public to fully appreciate the scale of the reforms, but the results speak for themselves.
“I do not think any Government, anywhere, could recover RM15.5 billion in just two years unless it is genuinely committed. To me, this is a startling record,” he said.
