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.
Shafie said the amount was important but its value should ultimately be measured by how effectively it reached the grassroots and addressed basic needs such as water and electricity.
“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 General Meeting here Saturday.
He said the allocation should also be viewed alongside Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly the State’s 40pc net revenue entitlement, which he said must be given serious attention.
Shafie said MA63 should be respected as the foundation of Malaysia’s formation, adding that timely implementation of allocations was essential to ensure communities received the intended benefits.
