KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is pinning hopes on positive outcomes in two key areas ahead of Malaysia Day next month.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the state is expecting good news on its 40% net revenue entitlement under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the introduction of an anti-bullying law that could be named after the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.
He said that discussions with the Federal Government on the revenue entitlement would take place on Sept 12.
“We are hoping for a resolution on the 40% net revenue entitlement. Who knows, maybe we will receive it as a Malaysia Day gift,” he told reporters during a press conference here on Sunday (Aug 31).
Kitingan also stressed the importance of a dedicated law to curb bullying, which he said had become widespread and normalised.
“Bullying has become a culture in some places. It is not just in schools. We see it in society and on viral videos. There must be a proper Act to deal with this issue.
“I hope it becomes a reality, and it would not be wrong to name it the Zara Law,” he added.
Zara Qairina, 13, from Papar, Sabah, died on July 17, 2025 after falling from her school dormitory the day before, sparking allegations of bullying and a nationwide outcry.
Her case, which saw thousands rally under the #JusticeForZara movement, led authorities to exhume her body for a second post-mortem and charge five teenage girls under newly amended Penal Code provisions against bullying.
The tragedy became the first to be prosecuted under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, marking a watershed moment in Malaysia’s fight against bullying.
Public anger also pushed for broader reforms, with calls to enact a comprehensive “Zara Law” to make bullying a criminal offence, mandate reporting, ensure institutional accountability, and strengthen victim protection.
In response, the federal government is considering setting up a dedicated Anti-Bullying Tribunal while upholding protections for minors under the Child Act 2001.
Sabah leaders and advocacy groups have urged urgent action, saying bullying must no longer be dismissed as mere misconduct but treated as a crime, a stance many see as Zara’s lasting legacy.
Earlier, Kitingan flagged off the Sabah Day Merdeka Run, which attracted over 7,000 participants, with more than 12,000 registered.
The 1,588km run spanned across the state, involving participants from various districts and backgrounds.
He said the strong turnout reflected Sabah’s unity and pride, while also helping to educate people on the significance of Sabah Day.
“As runners stop along their route, they meet villagers and families, sharing what Sabah Day means. Through this, people experience the spirit of togetherness, pride and independence,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said more activities would be introduced in future celebrations, including patriotic song competitions and children’s art contests on their vision of Sabah Day.
“Beyond festivities, what matters most is that our people understand the meaning of Sabah Day and have a clear concept of its identity,” said Kitingan.
