PENAMPANG: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) firmly asserts that the 40 per cent revenue entitlement differs from the allocations for salaries and development.
Its president Datuk Ewon Benedick said the 40 per cent entitlement was established at the formation of Malaysia and is distinct from the annual budget allocations for Sabah.
"This 40 per cent entitlement is separate from the emolument and development allocations outlined in the Federal Government's annual budget for Sabah.
"There are many coalitions within the unity government, each with its own principles. However, this is our party's stance.
"If there are differences in principles, we need to negotiate and discuss," he said during a press conference following his policy speech at the Sabah Cultural Centre here.
In addition, the Penampang member of parliament added that Upko also demands a return to the spirit of parliamentary representation, insisting that no less than one-third of the Dewan Rakyat seats should be allocated to Sabah and Sarawak.
He also proposed a review of all amendments to the Federal Constitution and Federal Bills affecting Sabah that have not been approved by the State Legislative Assembly.
"Upko wants the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to review all Federal Constitution amendments and Federal Bills affecting Sabah that have not been approved by the State Legislative Assembly," he said.
Present at the convention were Sabah PH chairman Datuk Christina Liew, Upko Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Sabah DAP secretary Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, and Sabah Amanah chairman Lahirul Latigu.