Datuk Mustapha Sakmud
KOTA KINABALU (June 1): Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, has expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for announcing an increase in Sabah’s interim special grant payment from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion.
Describing the move as a significant milestone, Mustapha said the announcement reflected the Madani Government’s commitment to addressing Sabah’s long-standing rights and entitlements in a structured, responsible and progressive manner.
“This announcement is yet another clear demonstration of the commitment, courage and determination of the Madani Government under the leadership of the Prime Minister in addressing Sabah’s rights and entitlements in a gradual, structured and responsible manner,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Mustapha noted that before the change in the federal government in 2022, Sabah received only about RM26.7 million annually for decades, despite the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement under the Federal Constitution.
He said Sabah had since seen a steady increase in payments under Anwar’s administration, rising from RM125.6 million in 2022 to RM300 million in both 2023 and 2024, before doubling to RM600 million in 2025.
For 2026, Sabah is set to receive RM600 million, alongside the Prime Minister’s announcement that the interim payment will be increased to RM1.5 billion.
“The consistent increase proves that the voices and aspirations of the people of Sabah are not only being heard, but are also receiving serious attention from the Federal Government,” he said.
Mustapha urged Sabahans to view the development fairly, noting that the issue of the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement had remained unresolved for decades and could not be settled overnight.
“The issue of Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement has persisted for decades and cannot be resolved within a short period without strong political commitment and close cooperation between the state and federal governments.
“Therefore, the RM1.5 billion announcement represents a major achievement that deserves recognition and appreciation from all Sabahans,” he said.
At the same time, Mustapha stressed that efforts to secure Sabah’s constitutional rights would continue until a more comprehensive and permanent solution is achieved in accordance with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.
He said a mature, prudent and forward-looking approach was necessary to ensure Sabah’s rights could be realised without affecting stability and the strong relationship within the Federation of Malaysia.
Mustapha also expressed confidence that under Anwar’s leadership and the Malaysia Madani framework, the agenda of empowering Sabah and Sarawak would remain a priority of the federalgovernment.
He further thanked all parties who have continued to advocate for Sabah’s rights constructively and responsibly.
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