KOTA KINABALU (17 March): Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Supreme Council member and Vice Youth Chief, lawyer Yong Yit Jee (Yit Jee) today questioned why the Federal Government is seeking to stay the implementation of the High Court’s ruling on Sabah’s 40% Special Grant.
“If the entitlement itself is not disputed, why is there a need to seek a stay of the implementation process ordered by the Court?” Yit Jee said.
“The real issue now is not whether the right exists, but how the law ensures that the right is respected in practice.”
He said this is the question many Sabahans are now asking and it deserves a clear explanation.
On 3 March 2026, the Federal Government filed an application in the Court of Appeal seeking a stay of the High Court’s decision on Sabah’s 40% Special Grant.
This unilateral decision, made without meaningful engagement or a clear explanation to Sabahans, is both disrespectful and neglectful of the people of Sabah and their constitutional rights.
Sabahans have waited decades for this constitutional right to be honoured.
On a matter as significant as Sabah’s constitutional rights, decisions that may delay implementation should not be taken without proper engagement and explanation to the people of Sabah. Sabahans deserve to be part of this conversation, and their voices must be heard — because the future of Sabah belongs to Sabahans.
“Sabahans deserve clarity, certainty and full respect for constitutional rights,” he said.
“The expectation now is simple: that the process must move forward with clarity, sincerity and respect for the rule of law.
“I encourage Sabahans to follow this issue closely and speak up, because this constitutional question affects the future of our state and the generations to come.”
Lawyer Yong Yit Jee
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)
Supreme Council member cum Vice Youth Chief