KOTA KINABALU: The implementation of Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement must follow a transparent, time-bound constitutional process that delivers a fair, credible and final outcome, former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak (
pic) said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
Salleh said the entitlement is a constitutional right under Articles 112C, 112D and the Tenth Schedule, adding that there is broad consensus in Sabah on its implementation, with the real disagreement lying in interpretation and execution rather than principle.
He noted that while the Constitution links implementation to the Federation’s financial position, this does not cancel Sabah’s right, stressing that “a constitutional right cannot be denied or diluted through unilateral interpretation or administrative decisions”.
Salleh said the Constitution provides mechanisms such as joint assessments and the appointment of assessors to resolve differences, and argued that negotiations must be principled, structured and inclusive, including the Sabah Law Society, rather than confined to administrative channels alone.
He cautioned that prolonged talks and interim payments should not replace a final settlement, saying any outcome must be reached within a clear timeframe and tabled, debated and endorsed by elected representatives in the State Legislative Assembly.
