Sabah's 40% revenue entitlement not political bargaining chip, says aide

The constitutional entitlement of Sabah to 40 per cent of revenue from certain sources remains a non-negotiable right that cannot be leveraged as a political bargaining tool, according to a spokesperson for Chief Minister Mustapha Sakmud.

The aide's statement underscores the state government's position that Sabah's fiscal arrangements, enshrined in the Federal Constitution, are separate from political considerations or support extended to the federal administration.

This clarification appears designed to address any perception that Sabah's continued backing for the current Madani administration could influence the implementation or interpretation of the state's revenue entitlements. The statement reinforces that such constitutional guarantees operate independently of political allegiances or coalition dynamics at the federal level.

The 40 per cent entitlement has long been a cornerstone of Sabah's relationship with the federal government since the state joined the Malaysian federation. The reiteration of this stance signals the state's commitment to preserving its constitutional rights regardless of broader political developments.

Sabah's position on the matter reflects broader concerns among the state's leadership about ensuring the fulfilment of longstanding agreements that underpin the federation's structure and the state's development agenda.