Kota kinabalu: The cooperation between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 17th Sabah state election is important to strengthen the consensus between the existing state and federal governments in addressing issues involving both parties. GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that this collaboration is crucial for discussing and negotiating matters related to Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the state’s claim for 40 per cent of federal revenue derived from Sabah, and the Special Grant rate.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Armizan emphasized the need for collaboration as the demands and struggles involve matters under federal jurisdiction, requiring consensus between the state and federal governments. He expressed optimism due to the presence of GRS representatives in the federal government and the current federal leadership. He made these remarks at a press conference during the launch of Gagasan Rakyat Sabah’s election machinery for the Limbahau state constituency.
Armizan, who also serves as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, noted the openness and commitment of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in addressing the MA63 demands, including the increase of the Special Grant rate for Sabah to RM600 million. He highlighted that during the Parti Warisan administration, the rate was raised from RM26.7 million to RM53.4 million, although it remains significantly lower than the 40 per cent rate sought by Sabah.
Armizan stated that issues related to MA63 will be among GRS’ key manifesto points in the state polls. He urged the GRS election machinery to provide clear explanations to counter potential manipulations by opposition parties like Warisan, which he claimed failed to pursue these rights during their time in power.
During the tabling of Budget 2026, the Prime Minister announced an increase in the Special Grant rate for Sabah and Sarawak to RM600 million starting in 2026, compared to RM300 million in 2023. Anwar reiterated the Madani Government’s commitment to ensuring rapid development in these regions as part of efforts to uphold the spirit of MA63.