Sabah Stands as an Equal Partner, Progress Through Integrity and Cooperation

12 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Former Kapayan State Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang has reiterated that integrity and shared responsibility must remain the cornerstone of leadership, even as political alliances continue to shift in Sabah.

Yesterday, the Federal Cabinet decided not to appeal the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling which confirmed Sabah’s right to receive 40 per cent of the revenue collected by the Federal Government from the state. The decision, made on the advice of the Attorney General, affirms the Federal Government’s respect for the constitutional principle of special grant allocation.

At the same time, the Federal Government will address the technical matters highlighted in the judgment and commence negotiations with the Sabah Government without delay.

The move, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reflects the government’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through dialogue and mutual understanding, according to her.

Jannie said the Cabinet’s decision underscores the importance of partnership built on trust and respect between the Federal and Sabah Governments. She added that throughout her years in office, she had never wavered in upholding MA63 and Sabah’s rights.

To fully realise these rights, she said, Sabah must continue to nurture principled leaders who can engage confidently and cooperatively with their counterparts at the Federal level, she stressed.

“Leadership is also about pausing and choosing to stay committed, especially when challenges arise. Real courage is staying consistent and steadfast when it is no longer easy to do so,” she said.

Jannie described recent political developments as part of democracy’s natural process, and said she accepted, with an open heart, the decisions of those who had chosen to leave the coalition.

“In politics, people will come and go. What matters most is how we part ways, with respect and gratitude, knowing that service to the people must continue regardless of political direction,” she said.

She added that Sabah’s progress has always been driven by dialogue and cooperation, not division.

“Our relationship with the Federal Government reflects political maturity. Sabah is not beneath, but alongside, an equal partner,” she said.

Jannie noted that many long-standing issues affecting Sabah are now receiving serious attention through consistent and strategic engagement. This approach, she said, has led to tangible progress on key matters relating to MA63 and Sabah’s autonomy.

“Politics will always evolve, and power may shift from one hand to another, but integrity, gratitude and sincerity must endure. Sabah has come too far to return to the days of division and distrust,” she said, adding that unity, stability and mutual respect must continue to guide leaders in serving the people and upholding Pakatan Harapan’s principles of unity, integrity and shared responsibility.