DAP Sabah Disappointed Over Court Stay on 40% Revenue Entitlement

7 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP has expressed disappointment over the recent court decision to grant a stay on the enforcement of Sabah’s 40 per cent net revenue entitlement, describing it as a setback that prolongs a long-standing issue.

Its chairman, Datuk Phoong Jin Zher, said the continued delay effectively returns the matter “to square one”, adding that Sabahans may now see little distinction between the present administration and previous governments on the issue.

“This continued delay only prolongs a long-standing issue that has already taken decades to resolve. In effect, it brings us back to square one,” he said in a statement.

Phoong stressed that the 40 per cent entitlement is clearly enshrined in the Federal Constitution and must not be subjected to indefinite uncertainty or vague timelines.

“It is unequivocally clear that the 40 per cent entitlement is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and it must not be subjected to indefinite uncertainty or vague timelines,” he said.

He also raised concern over what he described as a lack of clarity moving forward, urging the Federal Government to provide more than general assurances.

“Sabahans deserve more than general assurances, they deserve a clear and firm timeline on when and how this constitutional right will be implemented. It is no longer acceptable for this matter to remain open-ended,” he added.

Phoong called on the Federal Government to set a definitive date and outline a concrete roadmap for resolving the matter, including transparent engagement with the Sabah State Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure accountability.

“This must include transparent engagement with the Sabah State Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that progress is measurable and accountable,” he said.

He emphasised that the issue must be addressed without further delay, describing it as a matter of restoring fairness, upholding constitutional guarantees, and ensuring Sabah has the fiscal capacity it rightfully deserves for development.

Phoong also reminded Prime Minister and the Madani Government that delivering the 40 per cent entitlement was a commitment made under Pakatan Harapan’s 15th General Election manifesto.

“Any failure to honour this promise will come at significant political cost,” he warned.

He reiterated that Sabah DAP and its leadership remain steadfast in defending Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.