Putrajaya did not dispute Sabah’s 40% claim, says Jeffrey Kitingan

PUTRAJAYA has so far not disputed Sabah’s claim to 40% of its revenue entitlement, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said, though no formal approval has been given either.

The matter is scheduled to be deliberated at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council Central Committee (JKTPA-MA63) meeting on 12 September, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

This follows expectations of a decision on 30 July that failed to materialise, prolonging uncertainty over Sabah’s long-standing demands under MA63.

“So far, the federal government doesn’t dispute our claim. They haven’t said anything. Neither have we. So we are waiting for the response. Hopefully, it will be positive,” Jeffrey said during a special press conference held in conjunction with Sabah Day celebrations at Wisma Pertanian today.

Jeffrey admitted feeling disappointed by the delay but insisted he remained hopeful.

“Of course, I can’t say I was not disappointed, but I am still hopeful that on September 12 there will be a decision,” he said.

He also cautioned that failure to resolve the matter could spark wider repercussions. “Otherwise, it will be a big issue in the next year,” he said.

Sabah had earlier announced on June 30 that the committee was expected to deliver a final decision on the 40% formula, but the meeting was later moved to July 15 to coincide with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s visit to Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah is entitled to 40% of the net revenue collected by Putrajaya from the state, as provided under Article 112C and Part IV of the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.

But the entitlement has not been honoured since 1974 and since then both Putrajaya and Sabah disagree over the interpretation of the clause. 

Sabah has formally requested federal revenue data 13 times but was met with no response. The state later filed its one estimate on March 21 this year. 

On another development, Jeffrey said Sabah must build its own identity for Sabah Day.

He argued that August 31 is too dominated by Malaysia’s National Day, leaving little space for Sabahans to reflect on their own history.

“August 31 is too focused on National Day, so we lost that… For me, the pressing issue is to create Sabah Day’s own identity,” he said. 

Jeffrey said the state should consider anchoring the celebration to an earlier date, such as August 8, 1963, when the North Borneo Legislative Council unanimously decided on self-government. 

Another option was August 9, he noted, but the decision must now rest with leaders.

The STAR president called for a wider campaign to give Sabah Day depth and meaning.

Jeffrey said Sabah Day should not be confined to symbolism.

“Sabah Day will not only be celebrated or remembered for its historical reason, but also the implications of what Sabah Day is all about. 

“And how can we make Sabah Day more meaningful, more extensive, more in-depth, and more inclusive for all people,” he said. - August 27, 2025