RANAU: Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said nobody can accuse GRS-led State Government of sitting on the 40pc tax revenue issue.
He said Sabah had requested federal revenue statistics 19 times as part of the negotiations under MA63.
The Karanaan election winner said the repeated requests reflected how determined Sabah had been in pressing Putrajaya for accurate figures needed to calculate what the state is rightfully owed.
Addressing youth and community members, here recently, he stressed that without verified data, Sabah cannot establish a clear baseline for its claims.
“We asked for the numbers 19 times. Without the correct data, how do we claim what rightfully belongs to us?” he said, adding that negotiations require patience, firmness and clarity.
“This is not about shouting in public. It is about ensuring our people actually receive the money, not just applause.”
Masidi explained that although the Federal Government has become more open to discussions, the process remains technical and sensitive.
He reminded the audience that although Sabah won a court case, it would not automatically lead to immediate payments, as financial settlements must still go through formal federal approvals.
For that reason, he emphasised the importance of maintaining a constructive working relationship with Putrajaya rather than adopting confrontational tactics.
He also revealed that at times, federal agencies delayed providing revenue statistics or submitted incomplete information, forcing the state’s finance officers to compute Sabah’s total entitlement independently.
Despite these challenges, he said, cooperation remains the only realistic and productive approach.
“There is no heroism in shouting outside the office while our children still don’t get the funds,” he said.
“True leadership is delivering results quietly, steadily and professionally.”
Masidi criticised certain political figures who resort to coarse language and personal insults.
He said such behaviour undermines dignity, divides communities and contradicts the values of the Dusun people, who are traditionally known for politeness and restraint.
“Orang Dusun are people of respect. We do not curse others.
“If someone is already insulting people before they won, imagine what happens when they gain power. That is not the kind of leader we raise.”
Masidi also highlighted several key initiatives tied to Sabah’s success in securing the 40 percent revenue entitlement.
These include monthly financial assistance for Sabahans aged 60 and above; a10 percent housing deposit assistance scheme for eligible first-time homebuyers and free tertiary education at state-owned institutions targeted for implementation by 2027.
He said these initiatives show how financial rights translate directly into improvements in people’s daily lives—covering housing, education and welfare.
Masidi also cautioned the public about political parties associated with controversial incidents, including frequent reports of identity cards “burning” during the 2018–2020 period and the NRD mobile allegedly rushing to issue replacement documents in great numbers.
Such episodes, he said, damaged community trust and should not be overlooked.
Turning to comparisons with Sarawak, he explained that both states have different historical and economic realities.
Sarawak’s oil and gas industry began in 1910, giving it more than a century of head start, while Sabah’s involvement began much later. He added that Sarawak’s strength lies in its political unity, whereas Sabah remains divided among numerous local parties.
“Sarawak is strong because they are united and they choose their leaders wisely. We can reach that level too, but only if we stand together,” he said.
He reminded the audience that political stability is the foundation of any long-term development strategy. Emotional rhetoric, he said, may entertain crowds but does little to advance Sabah’s interests.
Masidi urged youth of Tudan to evaluate leaders based on capability, integrity and proven results.
“At the end of the day, the question is simple: Who can secure what belongs to Sabah? Who can negotiate with wisdom, not anger?” he said. “Choose leaders who deliver outcomes, not those who merely make noise.”
