The Federal Government’s contradictory and misleading stance on the issue of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, as revealed in the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) statement dated 11 November 2025, must be critcised. In the statement, the Federal Government declared that it “will not appeal against the 40% special grant entitlement for Sabah.” However, in the same statement, it stated that it “will appeal on the defects in the grounds of judgment.” Such a statement is self-contradictory and deliberately confusing, designed to make the public believe that the government respects the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s decision when, in reality, it is still filing an appeal.

If the government truly respects the judiciary, it should be transparent and accountable in its actions. Instead, by issuing vague and contradictory statements, it not only damages its own integrity and credibility but also insults the intelligence of Sabahans.

MCA Youth urges the Federal Government to be straightforward and act with integrity: Make a firm decision and communicate it honestly. If the government intends to appeal, then they should state it clearly with transparent reasoning. On the flip side, should they choose not to appeal it, then they should stand by their decision. There is no place for hypocritical and contradictory behaviours while making political decisions.

Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution clearly guarantee Sabah’s entitlement to 40% of the net revenue derived from the state. This is not a political favour, but a constitutional right and a firm commitment made by the Federal Government at the time of Malaysia’s formation. To truly uphold the spirit of the Constitution, the government must fulfil this obligation without excuses.

The Federal Government must understand that political trust is built upon honesty and transparency. When a government repeatedly issues conflicting statements and engages in wordplay on matters as serious as constitutional rights and federal relations, it only deepens public distrust and erodes the bond between Sabah and the Federal Government.

MCA Youth therefore urges the Federal Government to:
1. Immediately clarify whether it has in fact filed an appeal, and the specific scope and grounds of such appeal;
2. Respect and fully implement Sabah’s constitutional entitlement to 40% of its revenue, without dilution or delay;
3. Cease misleading the public and instead govern with honesty, transparency, and accountability.

MCA Youth firmly believes that truthfulness, transparency, and responsibility must be the core principles of governance. Any attempt to deceive or confuse the people for political convenience will eventually be exposed and punished by the voice and votes of the rakyat.

Andy Teoh Tuck Wah
MCA Youth Central Committee Member
Chief of MCA Youth Petaling Jaya Division

13 November 2025

-MCA Comm-