admin
The explanation by the Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim on the revelation he made last May that Sabah received RM16 billion in 2024 was in fact covers the sum allocated for school funding, teacher salaries, border security, road maintenance and Pan Borneo Highway raises eyebrows not only within political leaders in the State but MA63 activists and ordinary Sabahans as well.
Again, I must stress it here that there must be a clear distinction between (a). development allocations by the Federal to the State and (b). constitutional entitlement for Sabah (Sabah’s 2/5 tax revenue entitlement).
The first point that I wish to highlight is the 3 months gap for Anwar to issue his clarification. As a Prime Minister, he is obliged to provide his clarification immediately when his revelation causes much chagrin not only within the Sabahans but other GRS leaders too. The RM16 billion was also raised in the Dewan Rakyat by Sabahan MPs but why did he opted to remain silent until yesterday? Was his previous silence had anything to do with the 40% entitlement that Majlis Tindakan dan Perlaksanaan MA63 (MTPMA63) supposed to settle by July 18?
Secondly, what Anwar specifically mentioned are the Federal responsibilities that must be given to Sabah under the Federal lists. Obviously if the Prime Minister felt confused with Sabah’s development needs and demands, then by all mean, let Sabah manage our own resources such as oil and gas while at the same time, manage these lists.
A Prime Minister must know how to navigate thru Sabah’s intricate political history and has understanding on our need to retain Sabah’s identity as agreed by all during the formation of Federation of Malaysia and encapsulated in the Federal Constitution.
There must be no attempt to Malayanize Sabah i.e. to deviate from the original spirit and intention of MA63 or to treat financial provisions to the State in the same manner as other Peninsular States. In short, a thorough knowledge is required and respect must be given on the Federal Responsibilities and Constitutional Entitlement and it is unbecoming for any Prime Minister to complaint over these matters.
On a very simplistic calculation, the RM16 billion would encompass the RM6 development allocation to Sabah whereas the balance of RM10 billion would have been spent on the education, healthcare, infrastructure and security that Anwar mentioned in his speech so perhaps the GRS-led State Government can confirm to it us whether any significant amount from this balance have been channeled to the State and Concurrent Lists.
Sabahans now believe that there will be no more further action by MTPMA63 until August 31 or on September 16. In short, there’ll be another gap of at least another month before we hear him (Anwar) say something again.
If this is the case, then there will be no conclusion on the 40% entitlement if delay after delay continue to haunt us hence GRS should really consider the proposal by Warisan for the establishment of a Permanent Parliamentary Special Select Committee on the 2/5 (40%) entitlement and other MA63 matters as our united affirmative action and also to promote transparency or prevent any attempt to delay the implementation.
If GRS is agreeable to table such proposal for debate and for our State Assemblypersons to pass during the upcoming DUN sitting, Warisan will have no problem to support it.
AZHAR MATUSSIN
State Assemblyman for Darau
Treasurer-General for Parti Warisan
5 August 2024
