KUALA LUMPUR – A better deal for Sabah and Sarawak is being discussed with the government through the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) on Special Grants under Article 112D of the federal constitution.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said JCC – chaired by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz – is expected to meet soon to discuss further on the issue.
He said during the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, the review of financial and annual grants under Article 112D, as well as the refund of 40% income and revenues derived from Sabah, had been addressed.
However, the current state government rejected the offer as the PH formula did not explain how they derived that amount.
“Sarawak also rejected the PH formula for similar reasons. Both states want to know how the formula was derived, and whether it reflects the right amount of what is payable to them.
“Sabah and Sarawak want a transparent formula, which is in line with what is rightfully payable under the constitution,” said Ongkili when replying to questions from lawmakers in Parliament today.
The move by the Sabah and Sarawak governments to turn down Putrajaya’s offer of a threefold increase in special grants for the states has been greeted with outrage and disbelief by Warisan MPs.
Warisan Youth chief and Sepanggar MP Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman said it was not a smart move on the part of the Sabah government as the funding constitutes a state entitlement.
“When the Sabah government rejected this, we were surprised. The higher special grants should have been defended,” he said.
“Even if it is still under revision, maintain the payment and make the adjustment after finding a consensus. You don’t do the opposite.” – The Vibes, November 22, 2021
