KOTA KINABALU: Sabah NGO Bantu Orang Susah Sabah (BOSS) president Datuk Kenny Chua urged the federal government to clarify whether it can fulfil the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
Chua called on Putrajaya to avoid ambiguity, noting that ongoing legal and administrative processes have delayed resolution.
“What Sabahans want now is a clear answer. Can the federal government pay the 40 per cent or not?” he said.
Chua said lengthy explanations involving technicalities and legal interpretations had only increased public frustration.
“People are not interested in complicated processes. They want to know if the government can pay what is owed,” he added.
The former Inanam State Assemblyman and Sabah Assistant Minister stressed the issue’s urgency amid rising living costs and economic pressures linked to global developments.
“The 40 per cent means a lot to Sabahans, especially now when global conflicts are impacting the economy, disrupting supply chains and driving up the cost of living. People are feeling the pressure, and this entitlement could provide much-needed relief,” he said.
Chua’s comments follow a High Court ruling in favour of Sabah, which was temporarily stayed pending a federal government appeal. While federal leaders maintain that Sabah’s right to the 40 per cent share is undisputed, questions over the calculation and payment timeline remain unresolved.
“If there are constraints, be honest about it. If payment can be made, then provide a clear timeline. But don’t leave the people guessing,” Chua said, emphasising the importance of transparency to maintain public trust under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
He also echoed concerns raised by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. Dr Jeffrey criticised the federal government’s appeal and the delayed stay of execution, which was granted Monday, as well as the lack of a review of “lost years” dating back to 1974.
The review, as directed by the High Court, was to be completed within 90 days of the Oct 17, 2025 decision.
He added that negotiations to determine the actual amount of the 40 per cent entitlement had yet to progress, which has fuelled public scepticism and frustration, with some Sabahans calling for the state to leave Malaysia.
He said the Sabah government must now take decisive action, noting that both federal and state authorities have failed to fulfil their obligations under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“Notwithstanding the stay, there is no excuse to delay the mandatory review. It is a constitutional requirement that must be carried out,” he said, urging prompt agreement on the amount payable so Sabah could receive the correct 40 per cent share for 2026 by year-end.
He added that if an agreement cannot be reached, Article 112D(6) allows for an independent assessor to determine the entitlement. Dr Jeffrey also supported calls by nominated assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin for the state government to insist on compliance with constitutional requirements.
