Kota Kinabalu: The establishment of a Sabah State Assembly (Dun) Select Committee on the State’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement is necessary as a strategic step to safeguard Sabah’s constitutional rights and future development, said Sepanggar Warisan vice-chief Norazmi Alimat.
Norazmi said the 40 per cent claim was not merely about figures or financial allocations but involved constitutional dignity, federal–state justice and the long-term development of Sabahans.
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He called on the Sabah State Assembly to consider forming a dedicated Select Committee to study, coordinate and strengthen the State’s position on the implementation of the 40 per cent entitlement as provided under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“The committee would provide an official legislative platform to comprehensively examine the constitutional basis of the 40 per cent claim, including its implementation history since the formation of Malaysia,” he said.
He said it should also assess transparently and factually the actual amount of arrears and their financial implications for Sabah.
The committee, he added, should be empowered to call relevant witnesses, including Federal and State Government officials, constitutional and financial experts, and civil society representatives, to obtain a complete picture.
Norazmi said it could then formulate practical proposals and realistic implementation mechanisms to be brought to the formal negotiation table with the Federal Government.
He said the committee would ensure the voice of Sabahans was institutionally represented through the State Assembly rather than confined to technical discussions at the executive level.
Norazmi stressed that the establishment of a Dun Select Committee would not in any way contradict the High Court decision on Oct 17, 2025, concerning the 40 per cent issue.
Instead, he said the committee could serve as a support mechanism for the implementation of the court’s directive, which ordered a review and joint consultation process between the Federal and State governments in line with the constitutional framework.
He said a bipartisan committee involving both government and opposition representatives would enhance public confidence that the 40 per cent issue was being addressed maturely, professionally and beyond partisan politics.
“As Sabahans, whether we are on the government side or the opposition, we must each play our role to the best of our ability because in the end we are all Sabahans who should fight for our rights together — this is about all of us,” he said.
