PMX's Statement Proves Federal Commitment to Sabah's Rights

17 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Jerry Ambuting Mohd Said, former Honorary President of the Sabah State Honorary Members Association of the Malaysian Volunteer Corps (RELA), has welcomed the clarification provided by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Anwar Ibrahim, regarding the Federal Government's decision to appeal parts of a court judgement related to Sabah's claim for 40 per cent of net revenue.

He stated that the Prime Minister's remarks are crucial in clarifying that Putrajaya's appeal does not signify a rejection of Sabah's rights as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

According to him, the Prime Minister's affirmation that the government is not appealing the issue of Sabah's 40 per cent share of net federal revenue derived from the state demonstrates the Federal Government's clear commitment to respecting the state's constitutional rights.

"Anwar's clarification is vital as it provides a true picture that the appeal is not intended to deny Sabah's rights, but rather to seek interpretation on certain statements in the court judgement."

"This matter must be understood objectively to prevent it from being politicised by certain parties, particularly opposition groups, who attempt to create the perception that the Federal Government is not committed to MA63," he said in a statement today.

He added that the people of Sabah should appreciate the stance of the Anwar-led government, which has openly reaffirmed that the commitment to the state's 40 per cent net revenue rights has never been in question.He noted that the statement also instils confidence that efforts to strengthen ties between the Federal and state governments will continue to be enhanced for the people's benefit.

"What is important now is to ensure that agreed matters are implemented in an orderly manner, grounded in clear legal and administrative processes," he said.

At the same time, Jerry described the Prime Minister's approach of seeking official clarification through the courts as a mature step to ensure that historical facts and the roles of past national leaders are respected.He stated that leaders from both the Federation and Sabah played significant roles in the formation of Malaysia, so any interpretations that could cause confusion should be clarified through appropriate legal channels.

"This approach shows that the government wants to handle all matters transparently and in accordance with the law, while maintaining its commitment to Sabah's rights," he said.

Meanwhile, he also welcomed the Federal Government's efforts to increase development allocations to Sabah in recent years, including for water supply, electricity, infrastructure projects, and various community development programmes.

In his view, these steps prove the government's sincerity in bolstering development in Sabah in line with the spirit of MA63 and the formation of Malaysia.