Kota Kinabalu: The amount that should constitute Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement is being determined, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
The Inland Revenue Board and Customs are determining the actual amount owed to Sabah, he said when briefing civil servants at the Sabah Federal Administrative Complex at mini Putrajaya, Friday.
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“So far, data from agencies such as the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the Customs Department show encouraging progress in determining the actual amount of the 40pc share that belongs to Sabah.
“The establishment of a special committee to examine revenue data is proof that the Federal Government is taking this matter seriously and intends to implement it in a transparent and responsible manner,” he said.
“The government intends to rely on verified data and technical discussions rather than speculation.”
He reassured that the process of examining the data is still ongoing and called on all parties to remain calm and avoid premature conclusions, noting that the issue is partly subject to legal proceedings and should be handled carefully.
“When disagreements arise, discussions must be based on factual information and all parties must seek the truth rather than speculate,” he stressed.
Mustapha also highlighted the importance of the Borneonisation policy, which prioritises locals in federal civil service positions as it is needed to build trust, continuity and cultural understanding within the government service.
“The current status of Borneonisation of Federal public service positions has reached 71.88pc in Sabah and 87.50pc in Sarawak,” he said.
He encouraged people from Sabah and Sarawak to take up opportunities to work in other states, particularly in Putrajaya.
“The experience will be different and so will the work culture. Such exposure can help them provide better quality services when they return to serve in their hometowns.”
Under the Malaysia Madani government, the financial allocations to Sabah and Sarawak have also increased significantly.
“Special grants for Sabah and Sarawak have increased to RM300 million and RM600 million annually, respectively, starting last year, while receiving RM6.9 billion and RM6 billion in development allocations this year.
“However, funding alone is not sufficient. The effectiveness of public service is measured by the speed of implementation, transparency in management, and the real impact on the daily lives of the people.
“Therefore, the Malaysia Madani concept must always be embraced so that it becomes the foundation of our collective work culture,” he said.
Mustapha said the MA63 should strengthen nation-building, not reopen historical divisions.
“The formation of Malaysia is a history of negotiations and trust between regions. The rights that have been guaranteed must be fulfilled, but at the same time, the responsibility of building the nation must be carried together.
“When rights are respected and responsibilities are carried out, unity becomes stronger,” he said.
