KUALA LUMPUR: The federal government is open to discussing possible additional allocations for Sabah, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the reported RM6.6 billion allocation for the state this year comprised only development expenditure (DE).
He said the amount did not include operating expenditure (OE) and several projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway.
Of the total RM16 billion allocated for Sabah, RM7.9 billion is for OE and the remaining RM1.4 billion for expenditures other than OE and DE.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, was responding to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's vice-president and Beluran member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee's recent statement that the state's 40 per cent revenue rights cannot be brushed away under the federal government's expenditures to the state.
"What is it that you don't understand; the operation, development and overall expenditures?
"I've already explained the overall allocation of RM16 billion (for Sabah)," Anwar told reporters at the Tanglin food court where he stopped by for lunch before performing Friday prayers.
He questioned Kiandee, who had previously held a ministerial position and was a former deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker.
Anwar said Bersatu failed to address some issues involving the state including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 when it was in power.
"If (there is a need) for more allocation, we can discuss it, but don't politicise the matter. Where were you when the MA63 was discussed?
"Now that the Sabah election draws near, you (referring to Kiandee) wish to become a champion.
"Don't resort to petty politics, rising sentiment when you were quiet and only followed (directives) when you were in power."
He said the government was currently implementing as many projects as possible, including in energy, education, health sectors, among others, while looking at increases in allocations.
Anwar previously said RM16 billion in federal allocation to Sabah could be more than the 40 per cent net revenue that the state might be entitled to.
He said the federal government earned RM10.2 billion in revenue from the state in 2023.
In addition to the mandatory allocations for Sabah under Article 109 of the Federal Constitution, a mandatory 40 per cent allocation must be given to the state as provided in Article 112C.