SIPITANG: Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement should not be confused with federal development spending, says Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.
The Parti Warisan President said the issue is a constitutional matter tied to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and must be understood within the framework of the Federal Constitution.
He stressed that responsibilities in Malaysia’s administration are clearly outlined through the Federal List, State List and Concurrent List.
He explained that national development, including the appointment of police officers, doctors and teachers, falls under the Federal List and is therefore the responsibility of the Federal Government.
“There is no state government appointing teachers for secondary schools or running universities. Those are responsibilities of the Federal Government,” he said during a breaking of fast at Masjid Jamek Pekan Mesapol.
Shafie emphasised that the Federal Constitution remains the supreme law of the country, similar to the constitutional system practised in the United Kingdom.
“The supreme authority is the Constitution. That is what binds the territories that formed Malaysia, including Malaya, Sarawak and North Borneo, through mutual understanding and agreement,” he said.
He noted that negotiations prior to the formation of Malaysia included provisions related to Sabah’s financial rights, including the 40 per cent revenue entitlement that was incorporated into the Constitution.
“This 40 per cent is not simply about development. First, it is constitutional. Second, the courts have already ruled on it,” he said. Shafie warned that failing to respect constitutional provisions could undermine public confidence in the rule of law.
“If leaders do not respect the Constitution, people will question why they should follow it,” he added.
He also cautioned against counting federal development projects such as hospitals, universities or police stations as part of Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement, stressing that such projects are obligations of the Federal Government.
Shafie urged leaders involved in discussions on MA63 to carefully study the constitutional framework and explain it clearly to the public.
He said the matter should be addressed through proper consultation and adherence to the law while respecting the aspirations of the people of Sabah within the Malaysian federation.
