Hajiji doesn't challenge PM’s position on ‘lost years’, dangles goodies

 

Sabah caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor believes the negotiations on Sabah's 40 percent entitlement to federal revenue it collects can be settled within three months as per the High Court order in October.

However, his latest remarks indicate no plans to challenge Putrajaya's position that the ruling about the “lost years” where revenue payments were not reviewed were unfair.

In a statement from his office about his remarks after a programme in Kota Belud today, Hajiji revealed that he had spoken to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about the appeal before it was filed.

"He (Anwar) called me and said 'Insya-Allah we will not appeal the 40 percent'. He is not appealing that, and what is being appealed (by the Attorney-General's Chambers) is wording that they felt was not fair about past government.

"So give them time to resolve it. Yesterday, negotiations were held. Once it is settled, we will have more revenue," he was quoted as saying.

However, there are no remarks on his thoughts about the parts of the High Court ruling that Putrajaya is appealing.

The appeal filed by the AGC last week challenges several aspects of the High Court ruling, including that the federal government had breached its constitutional duty by not holding periodic reviews on the 40 percent payment as per Article 112D, and that review orders made in 2022, 2023, and 2025 were illegal.

Former Sabah Law Society president Roger Chin summarised it as the government seeking to overturn the findings that no lawful review took place after 1973 during the "lost years".

If the ruling is upheld, Putrajaya might be liable to pay Sabah billions in revenue owed.

Putrajaya is complying with an order to hold negotiations with Sabah, with the first round of talks between the state secretary and the Treasury secretary-general being held yesterday.

Hajiji, however, said he doesn't know how much the quantum would be.

Previously, Anwar said Putrajaya collects about RM10 billion in federal revenue from Sabah, which would mean that the state is entitled to RM4 billion under the 40 percent agreement if the amount for 2025 remains the same.

Presently under Budget 2026, the plan is to pay Sabah just RM600 million.

In a separate statement, Hajiji is reported as promising to give free housing down payments to first time buyers, as well as monthly aid to senior citizens if his Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition is returned to power.

He said the down payment assistance will be given to qualified buyers but did not go into specifics.

The statement also does not mention how much monthly aid the GRS chairperson is promising to seniors.

This follows the launch of the GRS manifesto yesterday, which among others promised to set up. - Mkini