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AS a Sabahan lawyer and member of SLS, I’ve never been prouder — not for a win in court, but for what this judgment means for Sabah’s dignity under the law.

Many do not realise how challenging it is for a State Government to initiate legal action against the Federal Government under the existing constitutional framework.

According to Article 128(1)(b), any dispute between the State and the Federation must be brought directly to the Federal Court — a complex and politically sensitive process.

Furthermore, Sabah’s net revenue data is held by a Federal agency, making any formal claim almost impossible without cooperation at the central level. 

Only after the Federal Gazette 2022 (P.U.(A) 119/2022) is issued — and SLS acts as an independent body — can this matter be legally tested in the High Court under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.

This decision is also important because it touches on what is often referred to as the “lost years” — the period between 1974 and 2021, during which no formal review was carried out by the Federal Government despite being required by the Constitution.

This is the gap that the SLS is trying to rectify through these proceedings, to ensure that Sabah does not continue to lose its financial rights and constitutional dignity.

This decision is not just a legal victory, but a wake-up call on the importance of the supremacy of the Constitution for all Sabahans.

This issue should not be politicized.

It takes political maturity and unity to ensure that these Sabah rights are implemented in a spirit of cooperation from all parties — not disputes — especially as we approach the state elections.

This is not about politics, but about principle — and it will take unity, maturity, and willpower to turn justice into action for Sabah.

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my