Kota Kinabalu: The State Government must quickly set up a special committee to work out how to claim the 40 per cent revenue from the Federal Government, said Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah.
“Many people are unclear whether the claim is RM10 billion or RM40 billion. I want the State Government to form this special committee immediately after this assembly sitting.
“This committee must evaluate and study what mechanisms we need to present to the Federal Government. There must be a conclusive decision from the Federal Government,” he said during the State Budget 2026 debate, here, Monday.
Masiung pointed out that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leadership had sacrificed their political future for political stability and unity.
“The GRS has been vocal about Sabah’s rights alongside Unity Government partners at the Federal level.
“What more reasons do we want to present to the Federal Government? This is the answer,” he said.
He pointed out that the court has made its decision and if this is what the current State Government wants, there is no reason for the Federal Government to delay any longer.
“The people’s mandate is crystal clear,” he added.
On the budget, Masiung noted the State Government achieved a surplus of about RM28 million despite having less allocation than in previous years.
“State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun had explained that the reduced budget was due to international politics affecting the economy.
“We know that major powers have played a very important role and have tried to influence geopolitics and international markets, competing to control the economy,” Masiung said.
On the economy, Masiung urged the State Government to look for new mineral resources to increase revenue.
“The State’s economy used to be driven by palm oil, petroleum and timber. But now, timber is gone. We only depend on palm oil,” he said.
He noted that palm oil and petroleum prices go up and down based on market rates.
He agreed with Opposition Leader Senallang’s earlier suggestion to develop a gold processing plant.
“We not only have gold. We also have rare earth elements, titanium and bauxite. Why are we so afraid to explore these new economic resources? In Sarawak, they have a good economy. They have already explored all these mineral resources,” Masiung said.
He said if people worry about pollution, just look at Sarawak, adding that they (Sarawak) are still doing well.
“I agree with the Opposition Leader. Not only gold must be explored, but all economic resources and minerals found in Sabah’s land must be explored so they can be enjoyed by Sabah’s citizens,” he said.
On education investment, Masiung praised the Budget 2026, which follows the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan used by the GRS Plus and GRS Unity governments.
He noted human capital development as a key focus, noting that previous state governments never gave RM200 to Form Five and Form Six students for examinations.
“Students entering universities now receive RM1,500 for diplomas and RM2,000 for degrees. Civil servants are also given opportunities to study abroad to gain knowledge and strengthen ideas,” he said.
He noted newspaper reports saying Sabahans entering universities or diploma programmes under Yayasan Sabah will get free tuition starting in 2027.
“If this happens, I am very impressed because all education coverage networks in Sabah can be helped by the State Government,” he said.
On housing, Masiung said the State Government keeps its promises.
“During the election, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah Maju Jaya housing would be increased to 50 units per constituency. Special allocation was also given for young people who had just started families. This is not just words or political statements. In this budget, the words have been acted upon,” Masiung said.
However, he urged civil servants to speed up government programmes.
He said while everything looks good on paper, from government programmes to solving problems with electricity, water and roads, implementation must be faster.
“Do not let it only look good in this budget. We want every policy implementer, especially civil servants, to cooperate and help us speed up these programmes,” he said.
He noted some students have not received aid like the RM200 for Form Six students, questioning whether there is too much red tape since applications are done online.
“In towns and cities, yes. But in remote villages in the hills and rivers, where there is no internet, only phones, how?” he said.
He urged the government not to centralise applications in one place, suggesting district offices and assemblyman offices should help distribute aid.
“If we work together, there are not many problems. We can develop quickly,” he said.
Masiung also wants all budget allocations to be fully spent by year end, pointing out that some projects are only paid for the following year due to delays moving between departments.
“What is the problem? Three months in one department and another three months in another department, followed by another three months in yet another department.
The year ends. Projects cannot be implemented,” he said.
