State Government Remains Consistent in Defending Sabah’s 40 Per Cent Right

5 May 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Kapayan state assemblyman Datuk Chin Tek Ming's statement regarding Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement has continued to draw reactions, with former president of the Sabah chapter of the National Association of RELA Honoured Members, Datuk Jerry Ambuting Mohd Said, describing it as baseless and misleading to the public.

He said the opposition leader’s statement was not only confusing the public, but could also undermine the strategic negotiations that are being carried out continuously between the state government and the Federal Government.

“The 40 per cent claim is being dealt with seriously through official channels and phased negotiations. It is not something that can be resolved through rhetoric or open political pressure as portrayed."

“Attempts to create the impression that Sabah’s rights are being ‘diluted’ are unfounded and only serve to cause confusion among the people,” he said in a statement today.

Commenting on Chin’s claim that the 40 per cent entitlement is a constitutional obligation that cannot be subject to economic conditions, Jerry said the implementation approach in the context of national administration must take fiscal realities into account without undermining the basic principle of the right itself.

“That right has never been denied. However, its implementation requires an orderly, realistic approach that takes into account the country’s financial capacity so that it can be carried out sustainably and effectively.

“The state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor remains committed to defending Sabah’s rights through a mature negotiating approach, not political confrontation,” he said.

He also described criticism of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud’s statement as unfair, as it was made without understanding the true context of the country’s fiscal management.

“In administration, economic capacity is an important factor in determining how an obligation is implemented, but that does not mean the right is being denied or sidelined as alleged."

“Turning this matter into a political polemic will only weaken Sabah’s position in the negotiations,” he said.

Jerry also rejected claims that the state government has remained silent on the issue, stressing instead that efforts to champion Sabah’s rights are being carried out consistently and continuously at various levels.

“Not all negotiation processes can be made public, as they involve strategy and diplomacy between governments."

“Accusing the state government of ‘remaining silent’ is inaccurate and prejudiced,” he said.

Commenting on the private member’s motion that was not debated at the recent Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting, he said the matter was subject to the standing orders and the priority of the House’s business.

“It is inappropriate to conclude that this was an attempt to avoid accountability. Instead, an issue of this magnitude must be handled comprehensively and structurally, not through a populist approach."

“The people of Sabah need a definitive solution, not merely sensational political statements,” he said.

Accordingly, Jerry urged all parties to stop unconstructive political polemics and give the state government space to continue negotiations constructively for Sabah’s long-term interests.

“The struggle to claim Sabah’s rights requires unity, wisdom and strategy, not rhetoric that could weaken the state’s negotiating strength."

“What matters is an outcome that brings real benefits to the people of Sabah,” he said.