Kota Kinabalu: The Federal and Sabah governments convened the first meeting of the Special Grant Negotiation Committee, Monday, to discuss the review of Sabah’s Grant value, in line with Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution, following the High Court order on Oct 17.
The meeting was co-chaired by Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr. Safar Untong and Federal Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.
Also present from the Federal Government were Dato’ Sri Ab Rahim Ab Rahman, National Budget Director; Zulkhairil Amar Mohamad, Deputy National Budget Director; Marzaitul Azura Mokhtar, Head of the Research Division, Attorney General’s Chambers; Mohd Saiful Sungkih Abdullah, Secretary of the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Department; and Norali @ Ag Norali Ag Damit, Federal Financial Officer, Sabah Federal Treasury.
Senior Sabah Government officials present were Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh, Sabah Attorney General; Datuk Nor Asiah Mohd Yusof, Legal Adviser to the Chief Minister; Datuk Mohd Sofian Alfian Nair, Permanent Secretary of the Sabah Finance Ministry; Datuk Jasmine Teo, Director of the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit; as well as several other senior officers from the State Attorney General’s Chambers and the Sabah Ministry of Finance.
In a joint statement, Safar and Johan said both parties agreed that Monday’s discussion marked an effective and constructive beginning, with consensus to review Sabah’s Special Grant based on the 40 per cent net federal revenue formula as provided under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“This meeting is an important first step to ensure that the Special Grant review is carried out systematically and professionally,” they said.
Both sides also emphasised their commitment to continue the discussions progressively, in a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and understanding, including the sharing of relevant financial data and information needed to support the review process.
Additionally, the meeting was seen as a strong platform to reach a fair and equitable resolution for both parties, in line with the requirements of the Federal Constitution.
The success of this initial discussion reflects the State Government’s readiness to work collaboratively with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people of Sabah.
The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the negotiations are conducted transparently and in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The next meeting is expected to focus on the sharing of financial data and alignment of the calculation methodology for the Special Grant, to ensure that the agreed formula can be implemented accurately and effectively.
The State and Federal governments hope that the negotiations will yield satisfactory outcomes that meet legal requirements and enhance the wellbeing of the people of Sabah.
