KOTA KINABALU: The presence of hundreds of people at the court complex here today showed the level of public support for the state's claim to revenue rights, said a deputy chief minister.
Leaders and members of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Parti Warisan began gathering at the court compound as early as 8.30am for the Court of Appeal hearing of the federal government's appeal against a decision in a lawsuit by the Sabah Law Society.
They seemed undeterred by the hot weather.
On Nov 11, 2022, the High Court had granted leave to the society to seek a judicial review of the federal government's duty to pay to Sabah a special grant amounting to 40 per cent of revenue derived from the state.
Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the good turnout was as it should be.
"I am at the Court of Appeal to wait for a decision on whether the High Court will be allowed to hear the judicial review.
"The people of Sabah and leaders of political parties should support the cause 100 per cent as it is about our rights and revenue.
"We hope the assurance from the prime minister to uphold the rights of Sabahans will be fulfilled, or we will be poor and unable to continue developing," he said at the court compound.
Kitingan, who was detained under the Internal Security Act 33 years ago for raising state rights, said the court decision is crucial as the rights were agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia.
Influencer and former journalist Amy Dangin, 39, who was also at the court compound, hoped more people would show interest in the matter.
"If many of us are talking about it, there will be power in numbers.
"Hopefully, in this age of social media and access to information, this issue will no longer be swept under the carpet and there will be changes."
Davy Geoffrey, 48, from Keningau, who donned traditional attire, led a group of about 60 members of Gabungan Orang Asal Sabah Sarawak to the hearing.
"Hopefully, they will be successful in their fight. Be fair to all, and we always look up and remember God," he said.