KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government will convene a special cabinet meeting tomorrow to decide whether to appeal the court’s ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that the matter would be presented for clarification, together with the Attorney-General’s views, before any final decision is made.
“The Federal Government takes this matter seriously. It will be presented for explanation and the Attorney-General’s input at the special cabinet meeting tomorrow before a final decision is reached,” Anwar said in a post on social media today.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, reiterated that the Madani government remained committed to ensuring every decision is guided by justice, transparency, and the spirit of federalism.
“Every decision must be rooted in fairness, transparency, and the federal spirit, for the benefit of the people of Sabah and the well-being of Malaysia as a whole,” he said.
In a video posted online, Anwar said the cabinet meeting would address the 40 per cent issue and determine whether the government should proceed with an appeal.
“If you ask me, what’s the issue here? Forty per cent? We’ve already provided it. Negotiated? We’ve already negotiated. But some still claim we haven’t responded and ask whether we should appeal.
“I said, we are a government that follows the Constitution. The court judgment was only received three days ago. The Attorney-General is the government’s legal adviser, so let’s hear his input first.
“Yet, some don’t care — ‘You’re in power, you don’t care, nothing can be done.’ So, let’s follow due process. Wait a little while. Tomorrow, we’ll decide.
“If you ask me my principle? Can the 40 per cent be given? I say yes. Should we decide immediately? I say yes. But for a final decision, let’s first hear the Attorney-General’s opinion, then the cabinet will decide,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
