The Prime Minister’s remarks show a serious misunderstanding of Sabah’s 40% entitlement - Roger Chin
- nabalunews
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
10 November 2025
The Federal Government cannot mix up its ordinary spending with its constitutional obligation.
Money spent on schools, hospitals, roads, or security is part of the federal government’s duty to all Malaysians under the federal system — not part of the 40% special grant owed specifically to Sabah.
The High Court in October was clear - the 40% entitlement is a constitutional right, not a matter for negotiation. It represents 40% of the net federal revenue derived from Sabah — not how much Putrajaya chooses to spend here.
When the Prime Minister says RM10 billion was collected and RM17 billion given back, he is mixing two separate accounts — federal expenditure and constitutional repayment.
That comparison is meaningless unless the Government publishes a clear breakdown showing:
- how much was collected from Sabah,
- how much was returned under Article 112C, and
- how much was spent on ordinary federal functions.
Until those figures are disclosed, no one can truthfully say that Sabah has received more than it gave.
The Constitution is not about generosity.
It is about obligation, transparency, and respect for the promises that built Malaysia.
When the Prime Minister says come with facts and figures to discuss the 40%, it is a patronising statement that underestimates Sabahans. How can Sabahans present figures when the Federal Government itself refuses to release the data?
If Putrajaya truly believes in facts, then disclose them — show the revenue, show the deductions, show the payments. Until that happens, telling Sabahans to come with facts is nothing more than mocking the very ignorance the Federal Government has deliberately imposed for its own convenience and gain.
