Anwar: Federal Government’s Handling of Sabah’s 40% Revenue Entitlement Is a Promise of Transparency, Not Political Theatre

KENINGAU, Nov 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today underscored that the Federal Government remains firm in its commitment to resolve Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement in a transparent and comprehensive manner, dismissing allegations that Putrajaya is misleading the people.

Reiterating his stance as Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, Anwar confirmed that the Federal Government has no intention of appealing the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s ruling affirming Sabah’s right to the 40% special grant. According to him, political opponents have attempted to exploit the issue during the 17th Sabah state election campaign, distorting facts to create confusion among voters.

He stressed that claims suggesting the government had filed an appeal were inaccurate and served only as political ammunition. “Elections should not be a platform for deception. Some parties that once sat in the Cabinet know very well that the only matter under review was the reasoning in the judgment—not the 40% entitlement itself,” he said during a community engagement programme in Tulid.

Anwar also highlighted that the Attorney-General has clarified the matter, and he himself had informed Parliament that the government would not challenge Sabah’s constitutional revenue rights.

The Prime Minister said the government is now prioritising detailed technical negotiations to determine the actual revenue owed to Sabah and to calculate the constitutionally mandated 40% special grant with accuracy. He noted that Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican will meet state officials in Sabah tomorrow to continue discussions on the state’s financial entitlements.