THE Federal government's action in filing an application to postpone the implementation of the Kota Kinabalu High Court's decision regarding the 40 per cent Sabah revenue claim has disappointed the people of the state.
Beluran Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, said that the Federal government had previously reported that it would not appeal the court's decision.
However, he said that at the last minute, the Federal government still filed an appeal even though it said it was an appeal against the grounds of the judgment.
"The action of requesting a postponement of the implementation of this decision raises serious questions about the consistency and sincerity of the Federal Government in respecting the High Court's decision, and the dignity of the people of Sabah.
"Regardless of the reasons and justifications given to 'justify' this stay application, the fact is that the Federal government's action has the same effect, namely delaying the implementation of the High Court's decision and continuously belittling Sabah's rights in the Federation.
"If it is true that the Federal government respects the High Court's decision and cares about the grievances of the people of Sabah, why is there a need to delay its implementation?" he said in a statement.
He also stressed that the Federal government's promise to respect the claim of 40 per cent of Sabah's revenue seemed to be toyed with when this stay application was made.
"This action also raises the question of whether negotiations between the Federal government and the Sabah state government have reached an impasse so much that the Federal government has chosen to apply for a stay in court.
"The people of Sabah deserve an explanation," he urged.
Ronald also stressed that Sabah's rights guaranteed by the Constitution should not be treated lightly, and compliance with its implementation should not be delayed or delayed.
"This action has sparked a debate on the government's credibility in complying with court decisions and has impacted the perception of the people of Sabah on the government's commitment to the state's rights," he said.
Yesterday, the Sabah government said it would oppose the application by the federal Attorney General seeking to stay the order made in October last year.
Sabah State Attorney General Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh said the review process for the long-disputed payments should proceed within the court-mandated timeline of 180 days, which ends on April 15. – March 13, 2026
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