Federal Govt's move to not appeal shows Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement is constitutional, says Bung
In any modern legal jurisdiction, he said, a constitutional right cannot be delayed, diluted or disregarded without compelling and proportionate justification.
KOTA KINABALU - The Federal Government’s decision not to appeal the Sabah's 40 per cent revenue ruling shows that the entitlement is a constitutional obligation that has been left unfulfilled for decades, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman said that the decision affirmed a fundamental legal truth - Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement was a binding constitutional commitment embedded in the Federal Constitution since the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
The administrative lapses and inconsistencies highlighted since 1974 do not merely reflect technical failings; they undermine the principles of federalism that define the relationship between Sabah and the Federation, he said.
In any modern legal jurisdiction, he said, a constitutional right cannot be delayed, diluted or disregarded without compelling and proportionate justification.
“Any negotiation moving forward must be transparent, grounded in verified financial data, and free from political manoeuvring.
“Sabah will no longer accept discussions that lead nowhere. A constitutional right is not a bargaining chip, it must be honoured exactly as written,” he added.
He said Sabah Barisan will scrutinise every stage of this process.
“The Federal Government’s duty is clear and indivisible, to restore Sabah’s entitlement without delay. This is not political gimmick, it is a demand for constitutional justice. Sabah Barisan stands firm, the 40 per cent is Sabah’s right,” he added. - THE STAR
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