Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans across the political divide should support Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s firm stand on the State’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, said Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak (pic).Salleh said Hajiji’s renewed call on Sept 11 for the entitlement to be settled and implemented without further delay should not be treated as a party issue, as the Chief Minister represents Sabah in pursuing a constitutional right belonging to its people.
He said the right already exists and does not require a constitutional amendment, with the task now being for the Federal and State governments to agree on the formula and implement it.
Salleh said if the full amount cannot be paid immediately, both governments should agree on what can be implemented now and the payment mechanism, stressing that the RM1.5 billion interim Special Grant should not prejudice Sabah’s 40 per cent right or ongoing negotiations on the actual formula and amount.
“The ‘lost years’ can be negotiated separately without delaying present and future implementation. Sabah has waited long enough. On the 40 per cent, Sabahans should speak with one voice. Hajiji’s stand is Sabah’s stand,” he said.
