KOTA KINABALU – Putrajaya has to make a distinction between fulfilling its federal responsibilities and Sabah’s constitutional entitlement, said former Sabah Law Society (SLS) president Datuk Roger Chin.
He said the RM16 billion allocation to the state should not be conflated or seen as a substitute for the 40% special grant.
Much of the allocation is being used for federal development, education, border security, and infrastructure.
In a statement, Chin said the 40% special grant is a constitutional right as stipulated in the Federal Constitution and it is different from federal allocations.
He said the grant is calculated based on 40% of the net federal revenue derived from Sabah, which was reported to be RM10.2 billion – so Sabah should receive approximately RM4.08 billion as a direct constitutional entitlement.
“Proper recognition and allocation of the special grant will foster equitable growth and strengthen the unity of the Malaysian federation.
“Moreover, fostering clear communication and cooperation between federal and state entities is essential to uphold constitutional rights and support Sabah’s development effectively,” he added.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the RM16 billion he announced for Sabah during the Kaamatan Festival on May 31 was the state’s total allocation this year, not just for development projects.
He added that the RM16 billion allocated to Sabah in 2024 included allocations for development (RM6.6 billion), education (the salaries of teachers and the maintenance of schools, a federal responsibility that ensures national education standards), border security (federal obligation to maintain the integrity and safety of national borders), and infrastructure (road maintenance and repair, which are essential services typically funded by federal budgets).
On May 31, Anwar announced that the allocation of RM16 billion given to Sabah in 2024 surpassed the 40% revenue entitlement that the state had been fighting for, urging the political leaders in Sabah not to undermine the federal government’s efforts in restoring Sabah’s rights. – August 5, 2024