PM Anwar’s “Ask Nicely” Remark Insults Sabah — Rights Don’t Require Manners, They Require Fulfilment

By Daniel John Jambun, 7-8-2025

PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s arrogant instruction that Sabah leaders must “ask nicely” for federal funds is not only patronising — it is a blatant insult to the people of Sabah and a complete misreading of the constitutional relationship between Sabah and the Federation of Malaysia.

Let us be absolutely clear:

Sabah is not a welfare case. Sabah is a founding partner of Malaysia.

We are not here to beg, flatter, or say thank you for what is already ours by law.

40% Revenue Entitlement Is a Constitutional Right — Not an Act of Federal Generosity

Article 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution are not subject to the Prime Minister’s mood, political whims, or his perception of “manners.”

Sabah is constitutionally entitled to 40% of all net revenue derived from the state by the federal government — and that entitlement has been systematically and shamefully violated for over 40 years.

So when PM Anwar boasts of giving RM16 billion and demands we “appreciate it a bit,” he is either:

Completely out of touch with constitutional law, or

Deliberately playing the master-servant game — where Putrajaya hands out crumbs and expects Sabah to kneel in gratitude.

That era is over. Sabahans are awake.

It Is Not Rude to Demand What Is Owed — It Is Rude to Withhold It

Anwar accused Sabah MPs of being impolite for questioning his Kaamatan announcement. But asking tough questions is not rudeness — it is responsibility.

The real rudeness is the continued failure of the federal government to return what belongs to Sabah.

RM10.2 billion was collected from Sabah last year.

RM7.2 billion came from LHDN taxes, RM1.7 billion from petroleum, RM700 million from customs and excise, and RM600 million from domestic taxes.

Sabah is constitutionally owed 40% of that total. Where is it?

Sabah MPs have every right — and a moral duty — to question these numbers. If PMX can’t handle scrutiny, perhaps he’s in the wrong job.

This Is Not Reform. This Is Colonial Arrogance Rebranded

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Anwar’s “ask nicely” comment reeks of the same old Malayan arrogance Sabahans have endured for decades — the assumption that Sabah is a dependent territory instead of an equal partner.

If this is the “Madani” approach, then it is no different from the colonialism of old:

We provide the revenue; they set the terms.

We demand our rights; they accuse us of being ungrateful.

We question; they scold.

This is not reform. This is regurgitated imperialism with better public relations.

Sabah Will Not Be Lectured Into Submission

The Prime Minister’s veiled threats and sarcastic remarks are unbecoming of a national leader. If Anwar Ibrahim is truly committed to fulfilling MA63 and upholding the Constitution, then:

Honour Article 112D in full,

Settle the 40% arrears transparently,

Stop weaponising federal allocations as political leverage.

And most of all, stop expecting Sabahans to grovel for what is rightfully ours.

We don’t need to “ask nicely.” We are demanding respectfully — but firmly — what the law already grants us. If Putrajaya cannot respect Sabah’s constitutional rights, then perhaps it is time Sabah rethinks this federation altogether.

Daniel John Jambun is President of

Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFO)#~Borneo Herald™