PENAMPANG: The RM16 billion federal allocation to Sabah could be more than the 40 per cent net revenue that the state might be entitled to, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
It is learned that the RM16 billion allocation includes the operational expenditure for Sabah.
"Ever since I became prime minister, as compared with before, the overall allocation was RM12.9 billion for Sabah.
"However, in 2024, the allocation was increased to RM16 billion, which is far better.
"We need to know that we have yet to give up on the 40 per cent net revenue entitlement sought by the Sabah government but we know that the RM16 billion provided to the state far exceeds the amount of 40 per cent.
"Therefore, we need to look at the overall (picture) and (on the Malaysia) Agreement 1963 which some say has reached a (consensus) but do not deny (the allocation).
"We need to be united and be understanding. There are several programmes that need to be implemented in stages," he said during the close of the state-level Kaamatan celebration at the Hong Koisaan hall here.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that there had been times when members of parliament in the unity government had acted like Pas and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia lawmakers.
He added that he did not mind being criticised but those lawmakers had acted as if the federal government did not care or had sidelined Sabah and Sarawak.
However, he assured that Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was aware of the federal government's intention.
Anwar said that it was the priority for the government to solve people's problems such as electricity, water supply, roads and schools.
"Ignore the noise from outside. Our duty is to defend the people and uphold unity."
He also called for an end to parochial and narrow-minded sentiments related to state rights as they could spread to other states.
"It is not helping as sometimes this sentiment will be used by those who used to be in power.
"But when they are in power, they never thought about that. Now, when they are powerless, they are making noise to get this and that."