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Kuala Lumpur: Sabah is set to get nearly a five-fold increase in annual grants, ending a  five-decade fight on claims due to the Sabah Government thanks to a “cordial and sensible” discussion between the state and the Federal Finance Ministry recently, according to a statement.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (pictured) disclosed that both the Federal and State finance ministries have briefed their respective Cabinet today on the outcomes of the consultation reached during the Joint Consultative Committee meeting on the review of annual grants under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution between the Federal and State finance ministries.

It was understood that both sides have endorsed all resolutions.

Congratulating both sides for the cordial and sensible exchange despite on many occasions not compromising on each other's legal claims and constitutional rights, Ongkili said that he was especially proud of the Sabah Government for their determination and hard work in getting what they deserved, despite a long five-decade wait.

“The State will receive an almost five-time increase in annual grants, which will be more than twice the amount promised by the-then Pakatan Harapan government to the Warisan-led government,"  said Ongkili, who is also the Kota Marudu Member of Parliament.

“It proves the capability and capacity of the GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) State Government to defend Sabah's rights and preserve good federal-state relations to ensure economic prosperity for Sabahans."