SEMPORNA: The Federal Government’s immediate increase of Sabah’s special grant to RM1.5 billion must translate into tangible benefits for the people, said Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said the allocation was important but its implementation at grassroots level would be the key measure of its value to Sabahans.
“What is important is not the amount of RM1.5 billion, but how we ensure the benefits reach the grassroots so that the people can feel and enjoy them,” he said, after officiating the ninth Warisan Semporna Division annual meeting, Saturday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Friday that the Federal Government had agreed to immediately increase the special grant to Sabah to RM1.5 billion and the State is set to receive the remaining RM900 million of its RM1.5 billion interim special grant by late October or early November.
Anwar said the payment would follow the tabling of the relevant Cabinet paper after Parliament resumes in October, while negotiations over Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement to net Federal revenue derived from the State would continue.
According to Shafie, the allocation should also be viewed alongside Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the state’s claim for 40 per cent of its revenue.
He said the 40 per cent revenue claim should be given serious attention and discussed to ensure the rights provided under MA63 could be realised as effectively as possible.
Shafie said the impact of government allocations should be assessed through their implementation, especially in addressing basic needs such as water and electricity.
“If we look at this year’s Budget, almost RM13 billion is for Sabah, but where is the money? We heard billions for assistance, but it could not be felt by the people,” he said.
Shafie said MA63 should also be respected as the foundation of the formation of Malaysia, including matters involving education, health and security, which are under the Federal Government’s responsibility.
