Kota Kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed frustration with the opposition and also members of his own Unity Government for not understanding the comprehensive nature of the RM16 billion allocation to Sabah.
“It is important for MPs to be well-versed in financial matters,” he said, suggesting that those who cannot read account books are unqualified for their roles.
Anwar was responding to Members of Parliament (MPs) who questioned the details of the RM16 billion allocation to Sabah which he announced during the Kaamatan Festival.
He said while RM6.6 billion of the announced budget is designated for development projects, this figure does not encompass other expenditures such as school funding, teacher salaries, border security or road maintenance, including the Pan Borneo Highway.
“When I announced during Kaamatan that spending for one year will reach RM16 billion... there were representatives... MPs from the unity government who questioned it. If you’re an MP you should know how to read account books, if you can’t read you’re not qualified to be an MP. I don’t care whether you are opposition or otherwise, but if you want to be friends then you must behave as friends. Must have etiquette as friends. Must know that this country has responsibilities.
“And what’s important is not you as people’s representatives. What’s important is the people who want to live and be prosperous,” he said at the Himpunan Rakyat Perdana, here, Sunday.
Anwar also highlighted Sabah’s contributions to Federal revenue. He said for 2023, Sabah contributed RM600 million in state taxes, RM700 million from customs and excise duties, RM7.2 billion from Inland Revenue Board taxes and RM1.7 billion in cash payments, totalling RM10.2 billion.
“However, the expenditure from these contributions through Federal ministries was RM7.9 billion, including grants and temporary allocations,” he said. He also reflected on past criticisms, pointing out that similar concerns were ignored when previous administrations were in power.
“Some are angry, asking where are the rights. But why have they been silent two years ago, what did they do? They sat on their cushy chairs and forget. They only think of their allowances, projects and logging.
At least show a bit of appreciation for the efforts, but even if you don’t say thank you it’s okay I don’t need your thanks, there’s no need to be sentimental about it. What’s needed is to accept the facts and negotiate, ask for more... no problem.
In every meeting with Sabah representatives... Chief Minister, Finance Minister they always ask for this and that but it’s okay to ask nicely as friends,” he said, urging them to recognise the responsibilities of governance and to approach negotiations with a collaborative attitude rather than focusing on past grievances.
Anwar reassured Sabah’s leaders that their requests for increased funding are being considered. He also acknowledged ongoing negotiations to enhance the 112D grant, which is subject to financial agreements and debt obligations inherited from previous administrations.
“Article 112D is still under negotiation regarding the increase, as the previous MA63 agreement stated that it depended on the financial situation. We inherited significant debt, not from my time.
“However, because we inherited it, we must pay for it. If we don’t pay, people will lose confidence and won’t invest in our country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said RM10.2 billion in revenue from Sabah was handed over to the Federal Government last year, with RM7.2 billion of that amount being taxes collected by the Inland Revenue Board.
Anwar said there are also projects not included in this year’s overall allocation, such as the RM1 billion for upgrading border facilities, particularly involving the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Immigration Department and the Customs Department.
“Interim allocations have been given to the state, including under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, and we have increased them this year. I am committed to fulfilling the promises of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and this year we are implementing more than in the past 10 years combined,” he said.
He praised the cooperation and performance of several cabinet members, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi. He urged support and unity within the government, despite past political rivalries and personal hardships he has faced.
