THERE is strong police presence at the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex following rumours of a gathering ahead of Putrajaya’s appeal to overturn a High Court decision granting the Sabah Law Society (SLS) leave for a judicial review of the state’s 40% special grant from the federal government.
Political leaders and activists were also seen at the complex. They include former Ranau MP Datuk Henrynus Amin, activist Dr Chong Eng Leong, Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong, Warisan Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, and former Petagas assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang.
The appeal was scheduled to be heard on Sept 14 last year but was delayed. It will now be heard by a panel of three judges.
Last November, the High Court allowed SLS to file for a judicial review of the state's 40% special grant rights. The Sabah government has declared its support for the SLS initiative.
The case is based on the premise that Putrajaya did not fulfil its obligation to pay Sabah 40% of the revenue it derives from the state, as mandated in the Federal Constitution.
Sabah was to have received a special grant from the revenue collected by the federal government to accelerate development.
Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution and Section 2 of Part IV of the Tenth Schedule state that Sabah is entitled to two-fifths of the net revenue collected by the federal government from the state, and that the grant is subject to review every five years. – May 16, 2024.
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