PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that the special Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday will not discuss a reshuffle, and will instead focus on whether the government will appeal a legal decision concerning Sabah’s revenue rights.
“Our focus right now is to finalise whether we will appeal or not (on the Kota Kinabalu High Court decision on the return of 40 per cent of Sabah’s revenue), and as always, this is a country of law.
“There is a process, so we will first hear (the Attorney-General’s) decision before making a determination. I have already stated my position, so we will finalise it tomorrow after discussing with the Cabinet.
“Those who are angry, it is meaningless, because the Madani Government is more steadfast regarding MA63 (the Malaysia Agreement 1963), implements it more firmly, and ensures the provisions for Sabah are more secure,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysia Digital Sabah tour on Monday.
Earlier, while speaking at the same event, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government would first consider the Attorney-General’s advice before deciding whether to file an appeal.
“I have already called a meeting tomorrow. We will first hear the Attorney-General’s explanation, whether to appeal or not, wait until tomorrow. For me, it is fine even if we do not appeal, but the final decision will be made after we listen and discuss together with all Cabinet members,” he added.
He acknowledged the limitations surrounding the issue but called for understanding from all parties.
“The court has instructed us to negotiate. I said fine, we will negotiate. But today, who are we supposed to negotiate with? The government now is only an interim government. Wait for the election, and after a new government is formed, I will instruct negotiations to begin immediately,” Anwar said.
On Sabah’s development, the Prime Minister highlighted that the federal government had channelled RM17 billion to the state, despite annual tax revenue of around RM10 billion, countering claims that the government takes Sabah’s revenue without adequate return.
“Young people need to know this; it is not about creating conflict among the Murut, Kadazan, Bugis, Suluk, and others, but to elevate the standing of Sabah,” he said during the launch of a new block at Tawau Hospital.
Anwar also outlined improvements to public services, including resolving long-standing contract doctor issues through collaboration between the Health Ministry and the Public Service Department, and increasing on-call allowances for medical officers by 40 per cent.
He further announced a two-stage salary adjustment for civil servants in December 2024 and January 2025, after 12 years without raises.
“Many ask why so much is being given to civil servants. I said, listen first. There have been no increases for 12 years. This new scheme is fairer because lower-level positions receive a higher increase compared to senior officers,” he said.
Regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Anwar emphasised the government’s commitment to making special payments to Sabah and Sarawak under Article 122 of the Federal Constitution, following negotiations with state leaders.
“Previously, Sabah and Sarawak only received around RM50 million to RM150 million per year. But after negotiations within the committee that I chaired together with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg, we increased it to RM600 million per year as an interim special payment,” he said.
The Prime Minister added: “Sabah has great potential and high expectations of the government, but it must be managed well and maintain close cooperation with the Federal Government.” - November 10, 2025
