Close Anwar–Hajiji Relationship Seen as Catalyst for Faster Resolution of Sabah’s 40% Revenue Claim

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah lawmakers have expressed optimism that the long-standing issue of the state’s 40% special revenue grant from the Federal Government can be resolved more swiftly, citing the close working relationship between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Datuk Seri Ghulamhaidar @ Yusof Khan Bahadar (GRS–Kawang) said confidence has been further strengthened following a recent High Court ruling that affirmed Sabah’s constitutional right to the special grant, as highlighted by the Sabah Finance Minister during the tabling of the 2026 state budget.

“I want to express confidence in the leadership of the Yang Amat Berhormat Sulaman (Hajiji) and his strong ties with Putrajaya, especially with the Prime Minister. This gives us hope that the issue of Sabah’s 40% revenue share can be resolved more smoothly,” he said during the debate on the 2026 Sabah Supply Bill at the State Legislative Assembly on Monday (Dec 15).

Ghulamhaidar added that the law has now provided clear guidance on the way forward, while strong state–federal relations have created a “bridge” that helps streamline administrative and political coordination to accelerate efforts in establishing a mechanism for distributing Sabah’s entitlement.

Echoing similar sentiments, Datuk Pengiran Saifuddin Pengiran Tahir Petra (GRS–Pantai Manis) said the restoration of Sabah’s rightful share is critical to enhancing the state’s economic competitiveness as it undergoes rapid development.

“Once fully realized, this entitlement will significantly strengthen the state’s fiscal position, allowing for greater investment in community development, infrastructure, and public services,” he said, adding that it would enable Sabah to plan its long-term development in a more sustainable and effective manner.

Meanwhile, Justin Wong Yung Bin (Warisan–Sri Tanjong) stressed that the effort to reclaim Sabah’s 40% revenue share should no longer be framed as a political contest but addressed through a mature and coordinated approach.

He called for bipartisan cooperation to hasten the resolution process, noting that both government and opposition lawmakers agree the issue must be pursued collectively in the best interests of Sabah.

Wong added that state election outcomes and voting patterns clearly show that the restoration of Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is not a partisan agenda but a shared demand of the people of Sabah.

The Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting is scheduled to resume on Tuesday (Dec 16).