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Anwar had an exceptional political meteoric rise from a student leader, hand-picked by Mahathir and within a short time, became his Deputy PM.

Then went through the sharpest political fall in Malaysia’s history, punched with a blacked eye, jailed twice. He formed the transformation movement and eventually became PMX. He literally went through hell and came back.

The best orator among all PMs. 

Anwar has political tenacity, the ultimate political survivor, artful politician, able to lead a fragile coalition government. Above all, he can out outsmart UMNO and made it a junior partner in his coalition unity government.

In international circles, he is at home with Xi Jin Ping and Donald Trump. 

Anwar is savvy, very well read in Islamic and western literature.

Such a man is not easy to decipher or sort out. He is a complex politician.

Anwar can be all things to all men or can be no man to anyone.

Is Anwar being ambivalent? Can Anwar say one thing and mean another? Anwar’s “no appeal” against 40pc but with a caveat to appeal. Some reasons that cause many questions.

1st. The Federal AG, in his statement soon after the High Court judgement, gave the impression that he was for a total appeal against the court judgement on the 40pc.

His perceived stance was not surprising as the High Court judgement was very strong and reflects poorly on the AG Chamber’s case in this extremely high-profile case.

2nd: Judging from Anwar’s exchange with a Sabahan in Gaya Street on Sunday and his speech at the PKR’s candidate launching at SICC the next day, anyone could have concluded that the Federal Government was going to appeal against the High Court’s decision on the 40pc in favour of SLS in total.

3rd. Then, Anwar said he would prefer not to appeal. He did not say he would not appeal. Clear indication he would appeal.

Therefore, the Cabinet’s decision not to appeal against the 40pc but will partially appeal certain aspects of the judgement is not a surprise.

Is Anwar more amicable to Sabah than all other PMs?

Anwar is not perfect for Sabah. He has left Sabah out on most if not all, the new exciting economic development, new industries that he is championing for Malaya. That said: 

[A] Anwar has been, since becoming PMX, more amicable to Sabah in the following: 

[1] Decision Not to Appeal the judgement on 40pc [whatever than means].

[2] Immediate negotiation with the Sabah new Government after 2025 election.

[3] Increase development funding for Sabah.

[4] Return some oil and gas rights to Sabah.

[5] Return approval authority for power generation to Sabah.

The biggest question: Does Anwar really mean it that he will give in on the 40pc to Sabah? Or will Anwar be like all the PM before him? Only time can tell.

[B] For clarity and comparation, here is a summary of what other PMs have done on the 40pc for Sabah?

[1] 1974 - 2003 (Various PMs including Tun Abdul Razak, Hussein Onn, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad):

Inaction/Suspension. The constitutional provision requires a mandatory review every five years, with the second review due in 1974. All subsequent PMs failed to conduct this mandatory review. Sabah’s 40pc entitlement effectively became suspended, with the Federal Government instead paying a smaller, ad-hoc “special grant” amount. Only a few millions. Peanuts.

[2] 2004 - 2009 (Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi): The issue remained on the backburner, with the special grant continuing to be at the low, unreviewed rate. Status quo remained.

[3] 2009 - 2018 (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) There were MA63 Talks but No Action on 40pc. Najib publicly acknowledged MA63 issues, but the 40pc revenue share was not resolved or fully addressed. The focus was generally on development and general allocations rather than constitutional fiscal restoration.

[4] 2018 - 2020 (Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Pakatan Harapan)

Promise of Review, No Final Resolution. The PH government initiated the process of reviewing MA63, but the 40pc issue was not finalized before the government collapsed. Let us wise up. The pattern in the last 50 years is clear as day light. It was all talks, no progress, no action only a few miserable million ringgit. Procrastinations!

So called “partial appeal” has worrisome implications. Best to read Roger Chin’s 2 responses in his Facebook.

Sabahans are right to worry, to be wary. Many political analysts, including some professors have given their views on this “partial appeal.”

Roger Chin who has initiated the court action while he was the president of SLS, has written two pieces in response to the Federal AG’s submission of appeal. Roger is probably the most knowledgeable on this matter. Roger’s pieces are non-political, strictly professional and grounded on constitutional reasoning. He is worried about this “partial appeal”. 

Read his two responses in his Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rkfchin

Ultimate solution for Sabah is a strong united Sabahan centric Government. If in doubt, refer to the inactions of all PMs that I have given above. Why these inactions? Cos Sabah never had a strong Sabahan centric government.

Believe you me, in all matters of Sabah/Federal relationship, Sabah must have a united strong Sabahan Government. There is no option.

A weak Sabah Government will mean the 40pc and other rights will drag on forever. There will be no closure. Or worse, Sabah will lose the 40pc and other rights altogether. If not careful, there may be a constitution amendment to negate the 40pc.

Very sad for Sabah that there are far too many politicians who are excessively ambitious, think they can, want to be CM, Ministers, YBs, chairmen of GLCs. Too many want to get rich through politics. Too few are truly for Sabahans.

Too many insincere are shouting “Sabah for Sabahans” but far too few are serious about fighting for Sabah and Sabahans. Vote wisely.

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