Hajiji welcomes court ruling on 40pct federal revenue share

The Sabah government has welcomed the High Court’s decision allowing the judicial review application by the Sabah Law Society (SLS) regarding Sabah’s right to a 40 percent share of revenue from the federal government.

“We are relieved by the High Court’s decision directing the federal government to conduct a review of the grant for the lost years within 90 days.

"This ruling affirms Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, particularly under Articles 112C and 112D,” said caretaker Chief Minister Hajiji Noor (above) in a statement today.

He said the victory also recognises the vital role of the Sabah state government, which has consistently defended and asserted the state’s constitutional rights.

He added that the state government’s efforts in clarifying historical records, including the “Share of Growth of Federal Revenue Derived from Sabah” from 1964 to 1968, played an important role in affirming that the intent and effect of Articles 112C and 112D remain unchanged.

“The acceptance of interim payments does not in any way affect the state’s constitutional rights,” he added.

Earlier today, the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled that the federal government acted unlawfully and beyond its powers under the Federal Constitution by failing to honour Sabah’s 40 percent share of federal revenue for nearly five decades.

Judge Celestina Stuel Galid declared that the special-grant review orders jointly issued by the federal and state governments were “unlawful, ultra vires and irrational,” breaching the Constitution.

The judge also found that the Second and Third Review Orders were invalid and allowed the Sabah Law Society’s (SLS) application in full.

‘Sabah govt persistent from beginning’

Meanwhile, Hajiji said that from the very beginning, in every Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) meeting chaired by the prime minister, the Sabah government has been consistent and firm in presenting the state’s demands.

“We have fought tirelessly through every official channel, in every MA63 meeting chaired by the prime minister and through numerous official letters sent to Putrajaya. Not once have we allowed the matter to lapse.

“With this decision, we hope the federal government will fulfil its responsibilities as agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia,” he said.

Hajiji added that the state government would engage with the federal government to implement the court’s order in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, ensuring that Sabah’s constitutional rights are fully realised.

He also commended SLS for bringing the matter to court as a case of public interest.

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