PM shouldn’t conflate Sabah special grant with federal allocation, says lawyer
40% revenue entitlement designed to address unique needs, contributions of state, says Roger Chin.
(The Vibes) – THE prime minister’s assertion regarding the RM16 billion Sabah overall allocation yesterday should not be conflated with or substituted for the 40% special grant, said lawyer Datuk Roger Chin.
The former Sabah Law Society president, in reacting to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s speech yesterday, said that there is a critical distinction between regular federal funding, which is a federal obligation, and the special grant.
“The RM16 billion allocation addresses areas that are inherently federal responsibilities. These include education, security and infrastructure which are essential services every state expects and receives as part of the federation.
“The special grant is designed to address the unique needs and contributions of Sabah, providing additional financial support beyond standard of the federal allocations.
“This ensures Sabah can develop on par with the other states and address specific challenges,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu today.
He said that the 40% constitutional revenue entitlement is separate from regular federal allocations and must be maintained to ensure Sabah receives its rightful support.
