Joniston handing over SMJ home to recipient Lasius Pangin at Kampung Talantang in Kiulu today.
KIULU: The Federal Government’s next move on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement will be a real test of how well it understands Sabah’s expectations, said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai
With only days left before the Federal Government decides whether to appeal the recent High Court ruling, he expressed hope that the good working relationship between the GRS-led State Government and Putrajaya would pave the way for a favourable and just outcome for Sabah.
“This is not just a political issue that demands political will, but it’s about respecting, honouring and fulfilling Sabah’s rights.
“We hope Putrajaya will acknowledge this and demonstrate genuine commitment to honour what has been guaranteed under the Constitution,” he said during a meet-the-people session at Kampung Talantang here today.
“I am sure the Federal Government knows that any move to appeal the High Court ruling will not sit well with the people, so this is not the time to be tone-deaf to Sabahans’ expectations,” added Joniston.
The High Court recently ruled that the Federal Government must review Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement with the State Government within 90 days and reach a new agreement within 180 days.
The ruling, made under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution and Section 2(1), Part IV of the Tenth Schedule, reaffirms Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of the net revenue derived from the State – a provision left unfulfilled since 1974.
Joniston, who is also the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief, said honouring the court’s decision would be a defining step in bridging Sabah’s development gap with Peninsular Malaysia, especially in rural areas where infrastructure, agriculture, and basic amenities continue to lag.
“Sabahans have waited long enough. What people want now is not excuses or further delay, but firm action and genuine political courage to honour what was agreed,” he said, adding that PBS continues to push for the State’s constitutional rights to be realised.
Earlier, Joniston also handed over Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) homes at Kampung Talantang.
To date, Kiulu has received more than 100 SMJ homes, with constituents welcoming Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s recent announcement to increase SMJ homes to 50 units per constituency next year.
