Jeffrey: Sabah hopes 40 pct revenue entitlement issue to be resolved at MA63 meeting on June 30 - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KOTA KINABALU (April 14): The issue of Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement will hopefully be resolved when the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council technical committee meets on June 30, said Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

The Deputy Chief Minister and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Sabah president said the meeting will focus solely on revenue entitlement, which he said is the most important issue on the table.

“Yes, the meeting is on June 30. But I can’t say more than that,” Jeffrey said after delivering his keynote speech at a dialogue titled ‘Malaysia Agreement 1963: The way forward for Sabah’s economy’ yesterday.

“My hope is that it will be resolved. Because without money, what can you do?” he asked.

He said there are more than 29 outstanding issues involving Sabah’s rights under MA63, but for now, only revenue entitlement is up for discussion.

Asked if he believed the federal government is sincere in resolving these issues, Jeffrey replied: “You want my honest opinion? I’m still hopeful.

“The fact that they have increased the interim payment, and the fact that they have set up an implementation council, gives room for hope,” he said.

Should the negotiations fail to reach a consensus, he said there is a constitutional provision which either the federal or state government’s can initiate.

“If there’s no agreement, then appoint an independent assessor,” he said.

He also reiterated the importance of political unity in the struggle for Sabah’s rights, saying that without it, efforts will always be undermined.

“To me, everything is that. Without political unity, you will always be divided and ruled. And you will never get anything done,” he stressed.

He added unity among political parties must be supported by the people to be effective.

“Otherwise, we will be going round and round and round,” he said.

On whether the formation of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) was a first step towards that unity, Jeffrey responded: “Yes, of course.”

However, he acknowledged there had been some internal disagreements within the coalition.

“Well, first thing, if you have a gabungan (coalition), you must inspire the gabungan and call for a meeting regularly. So that your people don’t start thinking differently,” he said.

On whether STAR and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) would contest outside of GRS in the coming state election, Jeffrey said, “We are in GRS. We think GRS at the moment.”

He maintained that the state government remains committed to pushing for Sabah’s rights and autonomy, adding that the June 30 meeting will be crucial in charting the way forward.

Brett Chua, chairman of the Sabah Chinese Economic Conference, which organised the dialogue,said the event was timely as Sabahans should reflect on the past, assess the present, and strategise for the future.

“The Malaysia Agreement (MA63) is not merely a historical document, it is a living agreement that continues to shape the political, economic, and social landscape of Sabah. This meaningful dialogue hopefully will deepen our understanding and explore the way forward in realising the true spirit and intent of MA63.

“This agreement laid the foundation for the formation of Malaysia as we know it and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the rights, autonomy, and aspirations of all parties, particularly Sabah and Sarawak are recognised and upheld,” he said.

Chua pointed out that Sabah’s economic potential is vast with its rich natural resources, strategic location, and dynamic workforce.

However, to ensure sustainable growth, the fundamental issues such as fair economic distribution, infrastructure development, investment opportunities and policies that empower local businesses and industries, must be addressed thoroughly, he stressed.