Be Honest And Don't Belittle Sabahan Understanding

17 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: DAP Secretary-General, Anthony Loke, should first seek proper legal advice regarding the status of the Federal Government’s appeal in the case of Sabah’s 40 per cent net revenue entitlement before issuing statements that mislead the public.

He is also reminded not to underestimate the understanding of Sabahans regarding this long-standing issue that has persisted for more than 50 years.

Secretary-General of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Nelson W Angang, said that the statement by former president of the Sabah Law Society (SLS), Roger Chin, clearly confirms that the Federal Government has indeed filed an appeal against the High Court’s decision.

He said the act of appealing the earlier court ruling carries significant implications and has the potential to challenge Sabah’s constitutional rights concerning the 40 per cent entitlement.

“Datuk Ewon Benedick’s presence in the special Cabinet meeting did not change the Federal Government’s position to proceed with the appeal.

“Anthony must be honest, as he sits in the Cabinet. Ewon has been consistent and vocal in asserting his position that the Federal Government should not have filed the appeal. This is not new, he has remained steadfast to the principles of MA63,” He said this when asked to comment on Anthony Loke’s allegation criticising Ewon’s action as merely an attempt to attract attention.

He added that in the final Pakatan Harapan (PH) Presidential Council meeting attended by UPKO, all PH component leaders at the time were firm in wanting to proceed with the appeal, without giving space to UPKO’s opposing views.

“Seeing how our stance was sidelined and our views not respected, that was the turning point which convinced UPKO that it was time for us to leave the PH coalition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nelson also urged all parties to read and understand the court judgment thoroughly.

He said the Federal Government is now challenging the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s ruling by deeming all reviews conducted in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as invalid.

“This is something which, according to Roger Chin, could have wide ramifications on Sabah’s claim. This appeal essentially reflects the Federal Government’s unwillingness to pay the arrears owed since 1974.

“That is the real issue. If truly there is nothing to hide, why fear implementing the court’s decision?” he said.

He added that the people of Sabah are well aware that the Federal Government’s appeal has the potential to block the payment of the 40 per cent entitlement for the 50 years that have been lost.

“I challenge all DAP candidates to go to the ground and explain to the people of Sabah that this appeal is, in reality, about not wanting to pay Sabah’s rightful dues since 1974 by using technical excuses,” he added.

Nelson stressed that UPKO’s position is not about opposing the Federal Government, but opposing actions that appear to disregard Sabah’s constitutional rights that have been delayed for more than five decades.

He said the new Sabah Government does not need to be confrontational, as they respect the cooperation with the Federal Government.

“However, the Federal Government holds the authority to respect the High Court’s decision, implement the ruling, and negotiate fairly on the payment.

“The appeal process, which may drag on to the Federal Court, will only further delay Sabah’s rightful dues that have already been decided by the court.

“Do not attempt to mislead the people of Sabah. You claim there is no appeal, but the fact is there is an appeal. Be honest and do not play with words. Do not belittle the understanding of Sabahans,” he stressed.