Sabah MP supports PMX role in resolving MA63
KOTA KINABALU, – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday morning held a special briefing on the Special Grant for Sabah, reaffirming the Federal Government’s respect for the legal process and commitment to carefully study the written judgment of the Kota Kinabalu High Court.
Member of Parliament for Kota Kinabalu and Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, welcomed the Federal Government’s assurance, noting its continued commitment to resolving all outstanding matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“I take note of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Special Grant rate for Sabah and increase annual operational and development allocations to uplift the well-being and prosperity of the people of Sabah,” he said in a statement.
Chan said he personally conveyed to the Prime Minister the importance of unity and cooperation between the Federal and State Governments to ensure that Sabah’s constitutional rights under MA63 are upheld.
“Now is the time for both Federal and State Governments to work in unity and good faith to ensure that Sabah’s constitutional rights under MA63 are upheld through genuine dialogue, mutual trust, and transparent implementation,” he said.
He also proposed that the existing Technical Committee under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (JKTMTPMA63) be tasked with leading the 40% entitlement review process within the 90-day timeframe set by the Court.
According to Chan, both the Federal and Sabah Governments, through JKTMTPMA63, are currently formulating a new mechanism to determine the future calculation of the Special Grant, in line with the principles and spirit of MA63.
“It is also timely for the Ministry of Finance to disclose the actual amount of federal revenue collected from Sabah, to promote transparency and prevent any misunderstanding or misrepresentation by other parties,” he added.
Chan described the latest developments as a crucial step forward in strengthening federal-state cooperation and reaffirming the shared commitment to equitable development for the people of Sabah.
