Putrajaya’s Response to 40% Revenue Ruling Will Show Its Respect for Sabah: Joniston

Joniston ( middle) presenting an SMJ house key to a recipient

5 November 2025

KIULU: A Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leader has said that the Federal Government’s next move regarding Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement will be a true test of its understanding of the State’s expectations.

With only days remaining before the Federal Government decides whether to appeal the recent High Court ruling, GRS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai expressed hope that the strong working relationship between the GRS-led State Government and Putrajaya would pave the way for a fair and favourable outcome for Sabah.

“This is not merely a political issue that demands political will; it is about respecting, honouring, and fulfilling Sabah’s rights."

“We hope Putrajaya will recognise this and demonstrate genuine commitment to uphold what has been guaranteed under the Federal Constitution,” he said during a meet-the-people session at Kampung Talantang here on Thursday.

“I am confident the Federal Government understands that any decision to appeal the High Court ruling will not sit well with the people. This is not the time to be tone-deaf to the expectations of Sabahans,” Joniston added.

The High Court recently ruled that the Federal Government must review Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement with the State Government within 90 days and reach a new agreement within 180 days.

The ruling, made under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution and Section 2(1), Part IV of the Tenth Schedule, reaffirms Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of the net revenue derived from the State, a provision that has remained unfulfilled since 1974.

Joniston, who also serves as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief, said honouring the court’s decision would mark a defining step towards bridging Sabah’s development gap with Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure, agriculture, and basic amenities continue to lag behind.

“Sabahans have waited long enough. What the people want now are not excuses or further delays, but firm action and genuine political courage to honour what was agreed,” he said, adding that PBS continues to advocate for the full realisation of the State’s constitutional rights.

Earlier, Joniston handed over Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) homes at Kampung Talantang.

To date, Kiulu has received more than 100 SMJ homes, with residents welcoming Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s recent announcement to increase the number of SMJ homes to 50 units per constituency next year.