TUARAN – Upko has panned Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s supposed call for a new revenue sharing formula for Sabah – as opposed to the constitutionally stipulated 40% entitlement for the state.
Its president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said Sabah BN’s call is a dangerous one.
He said the 40% formula is already stated in the constitution and by proposing a new deal, Bung is also suggesting an amendment to the constitution.
“Are you (Bung) saying you are going to amend the federal constitution?
“Article 112C and Part IV of the Tenth Schedule clearly states two-fifths of the net revenue federal collection from Sabah must be given back to the state,” said Tangau when met during his walkabout in Tamparuli town here today.
Tangau said the 40% revenue entitlement was the reason Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) has filed five originating summonses regarding the matter.
Last night, Bung Moktar, when asked whether the 40% rate would be included in the Sabah BN special manifesto, highlighted the importance of reaching a realistic deal with the federal government.
Last June, Sabah PH leaders filed the summons seeking a court declaration that the constitutional provisions related to the matter still apply and are enforceable.
That came after caretaker finance minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz was believed to have said the 40% rate was no longer applicable as it was deemed to be outside of the federal government’s capacity now, as it was in 1973.
Tangau said the federal government cannot simply amend the constitution to create a new deal.
He also said the payment needed to be not only in the form of funds, but also other forms such as shares.
For instance, he said Sabah could obtain a 25% share in the Petronas-owned Sabah Ammonia-Urea Plant in Sipitang as opposed to monies.
“As far as we are concerned, we take this as part of interpreting Article 112D of the constitution,” said Tangau, referring to the mandatory review of the special grant to Sabah every five years. – The Vibes, November 9, 2022
