DAP Sabah Welcomes High Court Ruling on Sabah’s 40% Revenue Entitlement

17 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sabah welcomed the landmark decision by the High Court in favour of the Sabah Law Society (SLS) on the state’s constitutional entitlement to 40 per cent of federal revenue derived from Sabah.

In a statement today, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe Chairman of DAP Sabah described the ruling as a historic step towards restoring justice and fairness for the people of Sabah, reaffirming the principles enshrined in Article 112D of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

DAP Sabah commended the Sabah Law Society for its courage and perseverance in pursuing the case, which it said reflects the collective aspirations of Sabahans seeking full recognition of their constitutional and fiscal rights, he said.

“The judgment sends a clear and powerful message that Sabah’s rights under MA63 are not mere political rhetoric but legally binding obligations that must be honoured by the Federal Government,” he stated.

Calling the decision both a legal and moral victory for the people of Sabah, he said the ruling restores public faith in the rule of law and proves that constitutional mechanisms remain a credible avenue for justice and equality.

He urged the Federal Government to treat the ruling as a turning point in federal–state relations and to take immediate action to implement what is rightfully due to Sabah, ensuring fiscal arrangements that are transparent, timely, and fair.

DAP Sabah also appealed to the Federal Attorney General not to appeal against the High Court’s decision, stating that prolonging the matter would only deepen public frustration and delay long-awaited justice.

“The struggle has never been about politics, but about justice, dignity, and equality, the fundamental values that bind Malaysia as a federation built on trust and partnership,” he added.

Moving forward, he called on both the Federal and State Governments to work together in good faith to ensure that the review process for the 40 per cent entitlement and other MA63 commitments are conducted with transparency and sincerity.

“This is the moment to demonstrate leadership and integrity, to prove that federalism can work for all Malaysians, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak,” Phoong concluded.