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The deafening silence by the Madani Government on Sabah’s 2/5 (40%) tax revenue entitlement July deadline is a disappointment to all considering that it had already been almost a year from the date it has been made known to public by Upko’s President, Ewon Benedick and published by local news on 10 September 2023.
Ewon had also specifically mentioned it that it was decided in the committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Fadillah Yusof on the necessity of having a timeline and that it is his (Ewon) duty to ensure such timeline being met.
The Deputy Chief Minister, Jeffrey Kitingan however expressed his disappointment that no reply from the Federal Government was issued despite 18 July being the deadline and the equally disappointed Chin Tek Ming, who is the solicitor for Warisan then proposed the establishment of a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSC) to monitor both the State and Federal Governments on matters relating to MA63 and the 2/5 entitlement issue.
The Madani Government should have shown its commitment to the 2/5 entitlement issue by having it sorted out earlier instead of waiting the last minute or deadline. If the Madani Government believe that it will not be able to meet the deadline, then those who have given the assurances to ensure the timeline is being met (in this case Ewon) should have informed the Sabahans if extension is needed and its reasons thereof instead of keeping quiet. His lack of professionalism and focus in this matter is indeed much regretted.
It is also nauseating to see PKR Sabah continuosly talking about election seats instead of pursuing our rights and interests more so when, I believe, PKR is the only component party in Pakatan Harapan that had incorporated the MA63 affirmation into the party’s constitution. Such incorporation is useless if PKR State leaders do not understand or apply the spirit and intention of MA63 in their political life thus I suggest them to remove MA63 from their party’s constitution.
Sabah is in dire need of the entitlement because this is the booster desperately needed to allow us to overtake Sarawak in terms of development by firstly upgrading and enhancing our infrastructures, utilities, schools and healthcares and secondly, to provide conducive investment ecosystems to attract foreign and domestic investors to come here.
Even if the Madani Government issue its decision next month, there is no guarantee that the long awaited settlement will be made this year. It is almost certain that bureaucracies will creep its way to delay the settlement and I believe the GRS-led State Government will find this to be true especially in relation to Federal funds. As such, the establishment of PSC as suggested by Chin should be considered so perhaps GRS can have this suggestion tabled, debated and passed at the upcoming State Assembly.
MUDI DUBING
WARISAN PENSIANGAN DIVISION CHIEF
24 JULY 2024
