Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims that the decision not to appeal the Kota Kinabalu High Court's ruling on Sabah's 40 per cent revenue entitlement was linked to the upcoming state election. He emphasized that the decision was made collectively following meetings chaired by him and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar detailed that these meetings took place in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuala Lumpur. He made these comments while addressing reporters after officiating the International Higher Education Institutions (IPT) Islamic Studies Convention 2025. The Prime Minister clarified that the federal government's rationale for not appealing the court's decision was discussed in Parliament, asserting that proactive steps had been taken before the state election issue surfaced.

On November 11, the federal government announced its decision not to appeal the court's ruling regarding Sabah's Special Grant involving the 40 per cent revenue entitlement, as outlined in the Federal Constitution. During the Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar stated that the federal government would only appeal concerning defects in the court's reasoning.

Anwar also addressed the broader implications of Sabah's revenue entitlement, urging that the issue should not become a source of division between regions. He highlighted the importance of viewing the matter within the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the spirit of the Federation. Emphasizing Sabah's rightful claim since 1963, he urged for unity, stating that while the pursuit of revenue is vital, it should not undermine national identity and cohesion.