According to Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, the Federal government may not be able to fulfill its commitment to pay Sabah and Sarawak the 40% net revenue owed due to financial reasons. Kitingan, who is the President of Sabah STAR, expressed his doubts that the government would be able to make the payment owed to Sabah, using reasons such as “financial situation” and “the needs of the state” as excuses or factors for consideration.
Kitingan emphasized that it is essential for the Federal government to fulfill its commitment, as stated in the constitution. He also stressed the need for both the state and Federal governments to come up with a payment formula to move forward and determine the entitlement of Sabah and Sarawak.
He suggested that an independent accessor be appointed if a consensus cannot be reached between the two parties. Additionally, Kitingan commented on the presence of representatives from Sabah and Sarawak in the Inland Revenue Board, stating that it is crucial for these states to be informed about the revenues earned from them.
Referring to the interim payments received by Sabah from the government, Kitingan pointed out that the amount was only RM300 million, far less than the owed 40% of net revenue. He emphasized the importance of holding the Federal government accountable for fulfilling their commitment, especially as long as the matter is still minuted in the technical committee for MA63 matters. Kitingan expressed confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s leadership in advocating for the rights of Sabah and Sarawak.
Regarding a public gazette on the RM300 million special interim grant payment, Kitingan stated that he had made inquiries about it, and although he did not agree with the gazette, he was assured that it can be changed anytime to facilitate the payment by the Finance Ministry. He reiterated the need to hold the government accountable for resolving the payment formula by the stipulated time.
In relation to the vision of the United Borneo Front (UBF), Kitingan expressed his hope for Sabah to follow Sarawak in renaming the Chief Minister as premier. He believed that this move would standardize the titles of leaders in both states and elevate them to a different level from other states in the country.
Kitingan also supported the idea of establishing an equivalent of a foreign ministry for Sarawak, proposed by former Malaysian diplomat Syed Nizamuddin Khassim. He agreed that Sabah should also have its own equivalent if Sarawak were successful in establishing theirs.
