Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government should highly consider of increasing the Federal special grant for Sabah (interim special grant) that was given approximately RM600 million, last year, to a total of about RM900 million, this year, so as to ensure the funds are sufficient to deliver meaningful improvements.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) made the call for such proposal during the party’s 6th Supreme Council Meeting held, chaired by its President, Datuk Chin Su Phin.
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He said Sabah appreciates the Federal Government’s continued provision of the special grants in recent years, including approximately RM600 million last year.
However, he said he was concerned over indications that the 2026 allocation may remain at a similar level.
“In the face of increasing development needs, a stagnant allocation is difficult to accept. Such allocations should grow in tandem with Sabah’s actual needs in order to reflect the spirit and commitments of MA63.
“Global developments, economic pressures, or geopolitical factors should not be used as reasons to limit Sabah’s allocations, adding that rights under MA63 are not conditional and should not be influenced by external factors.
“As such, we (LDP) suggested that the Federal Government consider increasing the allocation by approximately RM300 million, bringing the total to around RM900 million, to be spent significantly on the State’s developments and improvements,” Chin said here on Sunday.
He said this figure is a practical reference based on current needs, and not a fixed demand.
On the utilisation of funds, Chin said any additional allocation should prioritise urgent infrastructure needs, particularly road maintenance works, and be implemented through the Public Works Department (JKR), urban road concessionaires, and local authorities to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
“Public dissatisfaction over road conditions has been rising in recent years, especially in Kota Kinabalu and the West Coast urban areas, where the issue has become widespread rather than isolated.
“Road maintenance responsibilities are shared among multiple entities, including the State government, Public Work Department (JKR), concessionaires, and local authorities such as Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), all of which face financial constraints,” he said.
Chin said DBKK itself has limited financial resources and relies heavily on support from the State and federal governments.
“Therefore, he said state or local governments alone cannot fully resolve long-standing infrastructure challenges.”
“Special allocations are crucial in bridging this funding gap.
“If increased, it would be reasonable to allocate around RM200 million to RM300 million annually specifically for road repairs and infrastructure upgrades, implemented through the relevant agencies to achieve visible improvements in the short term,” Chin said.
He stressed that the key issue now is no longer whether funds exist, but whether there is sufficient execution, urgency, and political will.
“For the people, whether it is the federal, state, or local government, what ultimately matters is results,” he said.
Chin also called on the Federal Government to move beyond maintaining the status quo by increasing the special allocation and ensuring that resources are effectively utilised to expedite key projects.
“Sabah deserves better development. Allocations must be increased and directed to the most critical areas. In the face of growing challenges, we cannot accept stagnation,” he said.
The LDP leaders deliberating on a range of national and state issues, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding Sabah’s interests and ensuring that its constitutional rights are fully respected.
On the Sabah rights under MA63, LDP has urged the Federal Government to refrain from delaying or undermining matters related to Sabah’s legitimate rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), should not be delayed or undermined.
Chin said he regretted and concerned over the Federal Government’s continued appeals on issues tied to MA63, warning that prolonged legal processes could erode confidence and delay long-overdue resolutions.
“MA63 is not a new demand, but a constitutionally grounded and historically binding agreement that guarantees and defines Sabah’s position and rights within the Federation.
“While respecting the judicial process, the existence of appeals should not be used as a reason to delay or weaken Sabah’s rights,” he said, adding that timely and sincere implementation is crucial to preserving the spirit of the federation.
Even as legal proceedings are ongoing, he said the Federal Government’s responsibilities to Sabah remain.
In this regard, he cited recent remarks by Datuk Roger Chin, Nominated Assemblyman, who stressed that federal obligations to Sabah should not be affected by the appeal and must continue to be fulfilled.
He said this position reinforces a fundamental principle, rights that have been acknowledged, if not effectively implemented, cannot truly realise their intended meaning.
Chin reiterated that although MA63 is still under appeal, it must not be used as an excuse to delay implementation.
“Prolonged delays not only affect development progress but may also erode public confidence in institutions and governance,” he said.
