Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties not to politicise the RM600 million Federal Special Grant allocated to Sabah. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that since the formation of Malaysia, the grant amount for Sabah had remained at around RM26 million before being increased to RM300 million under the MADANI government, and further raised to RM600 million for 2025.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the government's responsibility to uplift the status, dignity, economy, and social well-being of all states. He highlighted that the approval of projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan and the National Budget has been considered in determining the broader framework. Anwar made these remarks at the National Integrity Premier Address and National-Level Integrity, Governance and Anti-Corruption Awards (AIGA 2025), where several key officials, including Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, were present.
Anwar also remarked on the recent decision by the Kota Kinabalu High Court concerning the review of the Federal Special Grant for Sabah, stating that while the government respects the court's decision, it is essential to honor and fulfill promises in the spirit of the Federation. He stressed the importance of clarifying matters related to allocations for Sabah to prevent political manipulation by irresponsible individuals.
He further stated that governance and integrity must be viewed comprehensively to avoid falling victim to narrow-minded politics. In Parliament, Anwar noted that some of those opposing the grant were former ministers, including ex-prime ministers and former ministers for Federal Territories, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Earlier in Parliament, Anwar reiterated the MADANI Government's commitment to enhancing Sabah's prosperity by doubling the federal Special Grant for the state to RM600 million, marking the highest amount recorded to date. The full payment was made on September 10, following an agreement between the Federal and Sabah governments after a review conducted under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.