Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal urged the Federal Government not to appeal against the High Court ruling affirming Sabah and Sarawak’s constitutional entitlement to 40 per cent of federal revenue collected from the State.
The former Chief Minister said the judgment, which reaffirmed Sabah’s rights under Article 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution, must be respected and implemented without delay.
“There should be no appeal when the law clearly upholds what belongs to the people of Sabah,” he told a press conference at Warisan headquarters, here, Friday.
Shafie said the issue transcends politics and concerns the fundamental rights of the State under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The 40 per cent entitlement is not a favour, it is our right. What Sabah deserves should be returned.” He said the ruling is a victory for the people of Sabah, and urged the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity by executing the court’s decision.
“This is not about which party governs. It’s about restoring what is constitutionally owed. Respect the law and respect the agreement,” he said.
Shafie stressed that the 40 per cent revenue share is crucial for Sabah to finance development, especially in rural areas that have long been underfunded despite contributing significantly to the national economy.
“If we want balanced development, we must empower Sabah financially. Only then can we plan and prioritise based on our real needs,” he said.
He also called on all Sabah leaders, regardless of political affiliation to unite in safeguarding the State’s constitutional rights.
“We may belong to different parties, but this issue belongs to every Sabahan. The time has come for us to stand together for our rights,” he said.