KOTA KINABALU: DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook has reiterated that the federal government fully recognises Sabah’s constitutional right to the 40% revenue entitlement.
He stressed that the ongoing appeal is not against the entitlement itself, but is aimed at addressing serious legal issues arising from the High Court judgment.
“This is historic. For 48 years, no government has officially recognised this right. Today, it is clearly acknowledged,” Loke said, highlighting that the federal government has for the first time formally confirmed Sabah’s constitutional entitlement.
He explained that certain statements in the court judgment carry serious implications, including allegations that federal and state governments since 1974 had “misused power.”
“If we leave that part of the judgment unchallenged, anyone could lodge a police report.
“Although this is a civil case, nothing stops individuals from claiming that previous federal and state administrations ‘misused power,’ potentially implicating past leaders including the previous Prime Minister and Chief Minister, such as Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Tan Sri Bernard Dompok,” he added.
Loke emphasised that the appeal is solely to challenge these problematic legal grounds, and not to question Sabah’s 40% entitlement.
He affirmed that DAP and the Federal Government remain committed to working with Sabah to actualise the 40% entitlement in stages, following proper governance and legal processes.
Loke further explained the rationale for supporting the Government’s decision not to appeal the entitlement itself: “As Cabinet ministers, we have a duty to safeguard the unity of the Federation. Appealing the entitlement could be exploited by certain individuals to inflame emotions, stir anti-federal sentiment, and influence Sabah voters. Our responsibility is to defend the Federation and uphold its unity.”
“DAP Sabah has always supported Sabah’s 40% entitlement. It cannot remain just on paper. We have consistently pressed Putrajaya on this matter and were the first political group to take legal action, demonstrating our firm commitment,” he added.
