KOTA KINABALU, 9 November 2025 – The recent exchange between a Sabahan and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Gaya Street has drawn strong public attention across Sabah.
When asked when Sabah would receive its 40% net revenue entitlement, the Prime Minister responded, “Don’t listen to others. I am the Prime Minister. I collect RM10 billion and give RM17 billion.” The Sabahan’s reply “You give because it is your obligation, not our 40%. That’s different.” reflects the growing awareness among Sabahans of their constitutional rights.
When asked when Sabah would receive its 40% net revenue entitlement, the Prime Minister responded, “Don’t listen to others. I am the Prime Minister. I collect RM10 billion and give RM17 billion.” The Sabahan’s reply “You give because it is your obligation under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but the 40% tax revenue is a different matter. It is written in the Federal Constitution,” reflects the growing awareness among Sabahans of their constitutional rights.
I’m certain many Sabahans feel that the Prime Minister’s reply belittled their understanding of their own rights. Sabahans are not easily fooled. They know the 40% entitlement is their constitutional right, not a gift to be given or taken away.
This exchange underscores a deeper issue: the Federal Government must not treat Sabah’s constitutional entitlements as acts of goodwill or generosity. The 40% entitlement is clearly stated under Article 112C and Part IV of the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. It is not a political favour, but a legal obligation.
Such remarks reveal a persistent disconnect between Putrajaya’s mindset and the aspirations of the people of Sabah. The people are not asking for special treatment, they are asking for fairness, dignity, and full compliance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
It is therefore vital for Sabah to have a united and strong local voice, one that speaks with confidence and clarity in defending our rights. Only through a truly Sabah-centric government led by local parties can Sabah ensure that its entitlements are no longer misunderstood or politicised.
Lawyer Yong Yit Jee
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)
Supreme Council Member cum Vice Youth Chief