KIULU: A Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leader says the Federal Government’s next move on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement will be a real test of how well it understands Sabah’s expectations.
With only days left before Putrajaya decides whether to appeal a recent High Court ruling, GRS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai hoped the strong working relationship between the GRS-led State Government and Putrajaya would lead to a fair outcome for Sabah.
“This is not just a political issue that demands political will, but it’s about respecting, honouring and fulfilling Sabah’s rights. We hope Putrajaya will acknowledge this and demonstrate genuine commitment to what has been guaranteed under the Constitution,” he said during a meet-the-people session at Kg Talantang on Wednesday.
Joniston added, “Any move to appeal the High Court ruling will not sit well with the people, so this is not the time to be tone-deaf to Sabahans’ expectations.”The High Court recently ruled that the Federal Government must review Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement with the State Government within 90 days and reach a new agreement within 180 days.
The ruling, under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution and Section 2(1), Part IV of the Tenth Schedule, affirms Sabah’s right to 40 per cent of net revenue derived from the State — a provision unfulfilled since 1974.
Joniston, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief, said honouring the court’s decision would help bridge Sabah’s development gap with Peninsular Malaysia, especially in rural areas where infrastructure, agriculture and basic amenities lag behind.
“Sabahans have waited long enough. People want firm action and genuine political courage to honour what was agreed,” he said, noting that PBS continues to push for the State’s constitutional rights.
Earlier, Joniston handed over Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) homes at Kampung Talantang.
To date, Kiulu has received more than 100 SMJ homes, with residents welcoming Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s announcement to increase SMJ homes to 50 units per constituency next year.
