KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) has stressed that Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement is a constitutional right and cannot be treated as a policy concession or discretionary grant by the Federal Government.
Its President, Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin, said SLS has taken note of the Prime Minister’s statement that the Federal Government aims to finalise the technical parameters relating to the entitlement by mid-January 2026.
He said clarity on methodology, quantum and payment structure is important to ensure effective implementation.
However, he emphasised that the 40 per cent entitlement stems from clear provisions of the Federal Constitution, agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia, and reflects Sabah’s distinctive fiscal position within the Federation.
“Any determination of technical or administrative parameters must be carried out as a constitutional obligation. Implementation mechanisms may facilitate payment but cannot reduce, delay, or reinterpret an entitlement that exists as of right,” he said.
SLS noted that discussions between the Federal and Sabah governments regarding phased implementation or administrative arrangements do not alter the legal nature of the entitlement.
The Society also clarified that the appeal proceedings relating to the 40 per cent entitlement remain ongoing in court and are unaffected by executive-level discussions on implementation.
“These legal proceedings are institutional in nature and pursued in the public interest to ensure legal certainty, constitutional fidelity and transparency in the treatment of Sabah’s rights,” he said.
SLS reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitoring developments and ensuring that Sabah’s rights within the Federation are honoured in both law and practice.-pr/BNN
