“Stop Hiding Behind Legal Excuses: PMX Must Obey the Court, Not Outsmart It”

11 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) condemns Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s latest statement on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement as a masterclass in doublespeak — saying one thing to please Sabahans, while leaving the door open for Putrajaya to delay, dilute, or deny what the court has already confirmed as Sabah’s constitutional right.

The Prime Minister’s claim that the Cabinet “will not appeal” the High Court ruling, followed by the excuse that the Government must “consider any constitutional implications as advised by the Attorney General,” is a blatant contradiction.

It is wordplay masquerading as reform — and Sabahans are not fooled.

Let us be clear:

The High Court has ruled.

Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement is not up for debate, discussion, or “negotiation.”

It is the law — and the law must be obeyed.

By saying the issue will now be “resolved through negotiation rather than legal confrontation,” the Federal Government is effectively defying the court while pretending to respect it. What is there to negotiate when the Constitution has spoken and the judiciary has affirmed it?

Negotiation in this context means only one thing — non-compliance in disguise.

BoPiMaFo reminds Putrajaya that this is not a mere financial issue. The 40% entitlement represents the very foundation of Sabah’s partnership in the Federation of Malaysia. To continue dragging this matter through bureaucratic excuses is to trample on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and to insult the intelligence of every Sabahan.

If Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim truly believes in “Madani governance,” then let it begin with honesty and respect for the rule of law.

Anything less makes “Madani” nothing more than a slogan — empty words masking federal arrogance.

BoPiMaFo demands that the Prime Minister issue an unambiguous public commitment to immediately implement the High Court ruling in full.

No more talk of “negotiation.”

No more hiding behind the Attorney General’s advice.

No more political theatre.

Sabah’s rights are not for sale.

Sabah’s dignity is not negotiable.

Daniel John Jambun

President

Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)

Kota Kinabalu | 11 November 2025