Defend Sabah’s 40% Revenue Right or Resign, Says Former Assemblyman

24 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Former Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Datuk Poon Ming Fung @ Frankie has urged all Members of Parliament from Sabah to defend the state’s constitutional right to 40% of federal revenue, or resign if the Federal Government proceeds with its appeal against the High Court ruling affirming that entitlement.

Poon said he fully supported the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation’s (UPKO) recent resolution, which stated that its MP, Datuk Ewon Benedick, should step down should Putrajaya challenge the court’s decision.

“The 40% entitlement is not a political issue, it is a constitutional and birthright of every Sabahan. The High Court’s decision is a long-overdue recognition of what has been enshrined in the Federal Constitution since the formation of Malaysia,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Poon called on all Sabah MPs, particularly those holding ministerial or deputy ministerial positions, to take a clear and firm stance. “If the Federal Government files an appeal against this historic ruling, every Sabah MP in the government must resign immediately as a show of solidarity with the people of Sabah,” he stressed.

He added that there was no longer any justification for delay, saying the implementation of the ruling must take place without further hesitation.

“Sabah has been left behind for too long in terms of infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development. Upholding the 40% entitlement is not merely a matter of justice, it concerns the very future of Sabah,” he said.

Poon emphasised that a fair and sincere response from the Federal Government would not weaken the nation but strengthen it, allowing Sabah to accelerate its growth and contribute more to national development in the long run.

He also reminded Putrajaya that Sabah is not merely one of Malaysia’s 13 states, but one of three founding partners, along with Sarawak and Malaya, that formed the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

“This is a fundamental fact that cannot be erased or forgotten. Sabah’s rights exist because of its equal partnership status, not as a subordinate state,” he said.

Poon added that Sabahans only sought sincerity and honesty from the Federal Government. Honouring this constitutional obligation, he said, would be a clear demonstration that the government truly respects the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and recognises Sabah as an equal partner in the federation.

“Sabah’s rights under MA63 are non-negotiable. Any attempt to challenge the High Court’s decision is an affront to the spirit of MA63 and to generations of Sabahans who have long fought for justice and equality,” Poon said.