KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said negotiations between the federal government and Sabah over the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement will be expedited once a new state government is in place.
According to The Star, Anwar explained that he called for a special Cabinet meeting today (November 11) to first hear the opinion of the Attorney-General, the government’s legal adviser, before any decisions are made.
“Some ask why a decision cannot be made immediately. We cannot do that as we have a process to follow.
“For any judicial decision, the AG is the government’s legal counsel. We have to hear from them first, then the Cabinet will discuss and decide,” he said during Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament.
Anwar said negotiations have already begun in principle but cannot proceed fully until the new state government is formed.
“We agree in principle, and negotiations have already begun, we just have to see the overall picture and when negotiations can take place.
“Regarding the mandamus, the Kota Kinabalu judge stated that negotiations must be initiated.
“However, at present, it is an interim government, and we cannot negotiate yet.
“Once the government is formed, I will direct that negotiations be expedited, possibly in the first week of December,” he added.
He also dismissed claims that no previous negotiations had taken place, noting that the Deputy Prime Minister II chairs the technical committee and that discussions with Sabah and Sarawak leaders had already occurred.
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to resolve Sabah’s entitlement under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and ensure all discussions are conducted transparently and in good faith.
