Kota Kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the 40 per cent revenue sharing arrangement for Sabah, with technical discussions on parameters to begin before mid-January.
This is regardless of the outcome of the recent Sabah election where his Pakatan Harapan coalition only managed to win one seat.
Anwar said he returned to Sabah despite PH’s disappointing results to show that federal engagement does not end once votes are counted.
Anwar acknowledged “natural disappointment” among supporters and candidates after the election but urged leaders to accept the results maturely and shift immediately into governance mode.
“The election is over for the next five years. We must accept it and listen to what the people actually want — especially in the rural areas. Now is the time to work together,” he said.
“Technical preparations have begun with state government officials. Perhaps this month is a bit tight because we have four ministerial vacancies now.
“I need one or two weeks to think and discuss, including with Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to hear their views before I conclude.,” he said at the Majlis Sentuhan Madani Bersama Rakyat Negeri Sabah at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Saturday.
He said the federal government is committed to delivering on this promise despite criticism from skeptics.
“What has been decided is that the federal government, as I mentioned in the Cabinet and in Parliament, remains committed to handing over 40 per cent of net revenue to Sabah.
“For me, this is significant. Usually after elections, politicians wash their hands clean of promises made. But I do not want there to be any assumption that that is political culture where promises are not implemented.”
Anwar acknowledged the need to balance the economic and financial strength of both Sabah and Malaysia, and pledged to find the best possible implementation method.
On the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Anwar assured commit it would continue to be implemented at an accelerated pace.
“Nine matters have been decided. There are several others that we are working on and will bring to the Premier of Sarawak and Chief Minister of Sabah for consideration by the Cabinet and Parliament, if necessary, including constitutional amendments,” he said.
Anwar cited electricity devolution as an example, noting that implementation required parliamentary amendments.
He added that state representation in federal agencies would also involve legislative changes that the government was prepared to make.
On infrastructure development, Anwar assured that the federal government would expedite matters related to water, electricity and road infrastructure in Sabah, acknowledging that while allocations had been approved for these critical infrastructure projects, implementation remained a concern for many Sabahans.
“We have approved large allocations for water, electricity, for roads and development.
“But the people of Sabah do not have these facilities, water is still limited, roads are still in poor condition. We hear you,” he said.
