Kota kinabalu: The first official-level discussion between the Federal and Sabah governments regarding the Special Grant to Sabah, based on the 40 percent revenue provision, is set to take place on November 17 at Menara Kinabalu, Sabah. This significant meeting marks a pivotal step in addressing the financial arrangement between the two governments.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Sabah's representative for the Special Meeting of the Technical Committee of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council, announced that the Federal Government's delegation will be led by Chief Secretary of the Treasury, Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican. The Sabah government will be represented by its State Secretary, Datuk Safar Untong. Armizan, who also serves as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, emphasized that the discussion results from the Cabinet's decision to heed the advice of the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) for the Federal Government not to appeal the matter.
"As advised by the AGC, the Federal Government will not appeal in the context related to this 40 percent right as the basis for determining the amount or policy of the Special Grant to Sabah under Article 112C (1)(a) of the Federal Constitution," Armizan stated. He highlighted that this decision is unprecedented and a new development, as previous governments had not implemented such measures. The urgency of the discussions was underscored by the Cabinet's directive to hold them as soon as possible.
Armizan further remarked on the Federal Government's commitment to implementing the High Court's decision, ensuring their responsibility for the Special Grant to Sabah is fulfilled. The discussion comes at a time of transition, as Armizan was recently appointed to his current position, succeeding Datuk Ewon Benedick, following Benedick's resignation from the Cabinet.
The AGC, in a statement, confirmed that the Federal Government would not appeal the issue of the Special Grant to Sabah based on the 40 percent revenue provision. Instead, the government will proceed with negotiations with the Sabah State Government promptly. Additionally, the AGC disclosed that a Notice of Appeal had been filed at the Kota Kinabalu High Court concerning specific parts of the grounds of judgment dated October 17.