Kota Kinabalu, 4 December 2025
I can count on my five fingers of one hand the number of members of the last (16th) Legislative Assembly who really know what MA63 is about.
Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Masidi Manjun are two of them, especially on the famous 40% claim.
With due respect, many other YBs play only a supporting role. This is because, as wakil rakyat, they are very preoccupied serving their constituents and busy in their Ministries.
It takes dedication and intelligence to understand the spirit and intent of MA63. It takes hard work, courage and teamwork to join the forefront of the fight for MA63, including the 40% revenue claim. An addition to the 17th Legislative Assembly who fits this description is newly nominated Assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin.
With his well-known authority on MA63, Roger speaks with authority on the subject of MA63. Being non-partisan, Roger can speak with the persuasive force and objectivity that partisan politicians cannot claim to be.
SLS top-notch lawyers continue the fight
Roger joining the Sabah legislature does not in any way compromise the ongoing appeal by the federal government on the 40% case because the case is handled by the Sabah Law Society, which is a professional body established by an Act of Parliament. The SLS has top-notch lawyers to handle the case successfully, as we have seen. I assume that the Sabah government also has top-notch accountants and tax men to drive the negotiations with the federal government.
The 40% revenue entitlement has already reached implementation stage because of the October 17 High Court judgement. Soon, it will be the execution stage of the judgement in fulfilling the constitutional rights of Sabah.
Federal trying to muddle up the judgment
But, as we can see, the federal government is already trying to stifle or to dilute or to delay or generally muddle up the High Court judgement. Sabahans expect that the Sabah government will be brave and dedicated to pursue the 40% revenue claim without fear or hesitation.
Datuk Yong Teck Lee
Ex- Chief Minister
Ex- Assemblyman