TUARAN: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (
pic) says no political party forming the next Sabah government can pursue the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement without cooperation from the Federal administration, the
New Straits Times reported.
She said the government elected after the Nov 29 state polls must maintain a steady working relationship with Putrajaya to resolve long-standing financial issues.
Azalina warned that continued use of the “Sabah for Sabahans” narrative may fuel negative sentiments and distract from efforts to secure a practical outcome.
She said talks between Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican and Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong have been ongoing since last week to refine the entitlement’s implementation.
The 40 per cent entitlement remains a dominant campaign issue, with a federal–state special committee now reviewing the terms of reference to guide the next phase of negotiations.
