Respecting the Court Is Not Enough — Sabah’s 40% Entitlement Must Be Fully Honoured, Says Warisan Man

Mentoh Aru, a Bajau leader tipped to be Warisan candidate for Karambunai at this November 29 poll.

Borneo Herald 

8.46AM MYT, 25-10-2025

KOTA KINABALU : Warisan Sepanggar founder Mentoh Aru today said that while the statement by PKR Sabah Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud thanking the Prime Minister for “pioneering MA63 steps” is noted, the real issue is not about appreciation but about fulfilment of constitutional duty.

He said the recent Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling has already affirmed that Sabah’s 40% Special Grant is a continuing constitutional obligation, not a political concession to be adjusted at the government’s discretion. “Respecting the legal process is commendable, but true respect for the rule of law means implementing what the Constitution guarantees — not waiting for political timing,” Mentoh said.

He added that while the RM600 million announced by the Madani Government in 2025 may appear substantial compared to the stagnant RM26.7 million given since 1970, it still falls far short of the billions constitutionally due to Sabah if the 40% entitlement were properly computed from federal revenue collected in the state. “That figure may look generous on paper, but it is still only a fraction of what belongs to the people of Sabah,” he stressed.

Mentoh also cautioned that the transfer of certain administrative functions such as SESB or local project approvals should not be mistaken for real autonomy. “True devolution means fiscal control — the power to collect and allocate Sabah’s own revenue. Anything less is still dependency dressed as reform,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to show genuine sincerity by:

Publishing the full computation basis for the 40% formula;

Committing to pay arrears owed to Sabah since 1974; and

Ensuring all funds are channelled through Sabah’s Consolidated Fund as required under Article 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.

“Sabah’s 40% entitlement is not about politics or gratitude — it is about justice and dignity for our state within Malaysia. Warisan will continue to defend this constitutional right until every sen due to Sabah is returned,” Mentoh concluded.#~Borneo Herald™