KOTA KINABALU: The Gagasan Rakyat women's wing has welcomed the increase in the state’s Interim Special Payment from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion, calling it a sign of Federal commitment.
Its chief, Datuk Redonah Bahanda, said the move reflects efforts to uphold the spirit of MA63 and strengthen Sabah’s finances.
She described the increase as a positive outcome of ongoing state-federal negotiations, but stressed it does not replace Sabah’s constitutional right to 40pc net revenue under Articles 112C and 112D.
Redonah said the additional funds are expected to accelerate development and welfare initiatives, including water supply, infrastructure, education, healthcare and rural development.
“The allocation must be utilised transparently and effectively so its benefits reach the people statewide,” she said.
