Kota kinabalu: The Federal Government's decision not to appeal the High Court's ruling concerning Sabah's 40 per cent revenue rights demonstrates Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's understanding of the aspirations of the people of Sabah. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized that this decision reflects Anwar's sincere commitment to uphold Sabah's rights as outlined in the Federal Constitution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor expressed the Sabah government's appreciation to Anwar and the Cabinet for their decision, which reaffirms Sabah's constitutional rights to the 40 per cent Special Grant. He noted that during meetings and discussions with the Prime Minister, he had asserted the state government's firm stance on the importance of respecting and fulfilling Sabah's constitutional rights.

The decision not to appeal signifies a strong working relationship between the state government, led by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and Putrajaya. This development follows the ruling by the Kota Kinabalu High Court on October 17, which found that the Federal Government acted unlawfully and exceeded its constitutional authority by failing to uphold Sabah's 40 per cent revenue rights from 1974 to 2021.

Hajiji, who also chairs GRS, stated that the state government is prepared to continue constructive negotiations with the Federal Government to implement the court's ruling, urging the people to support Anwar's leadership. He highlighted that respecting the court's decision is a crucial step toward addressing Sabah's development disparities with the Peninsula, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, and basic amenities.

"The people of Sabah have waited long enough. What is needed now is firm action and genuine political will to honour and implement the 40 per cent entitlement," Hajiji asserted.