For decades, Sabah’s struggle to reclaim its rightful share of revenue under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has been a story of broken promises, shifting goalposts, and political lip service. But amid the noise, one fact stands out crystal clear: only a handful of leaders have truly fought for Sabah’s constitutional rights — and at the forefront of that fight is Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
In the last five years alone, many politicians have talked about MA63. They issued statements, gave speeches, and posed for the cameras. Yet, few went beyond mere words. Most only found their voice after the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling on 17 October 2025, which declared that the Federal Government’s withholding of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement was illegal.
📊 Who Really Demanded Action on MA63?
Below is a verified summary of the number of times major Sabahan leaders have publicly demanded MA63 implementation — not just mentioned it — between 2020 and 2025:
| Politician / Party | No. of Verified “Demand” Statements* | Nature of Demand | Examples & Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (STAR) | 4 | Called 40% revenue “due and payable” and demanded immediate payment; pressed for joint review of federal laws curbing Sabah’s powers; set deadlines for resolution; opposed appointment of federal assessor until dispute resolved. | Malay Mail • The Vibes • Malaysiakini |
| Shafie Apdal (Warisan) | 3 | Urged Federal Govt not to appeal the KK High Court ruling and to implement 40% revenue entitlement. | The Star • FMT |
| Hajiji Noor (Chief Minister, GRS) | 2 | Welcomed the High Court ruling and called for fulfilment of constitutional responsibilities and implementation of the 40% entitlement. | The Vibes |
| Bung Moktar (UMNO Sabah) | 2 | Warned of political backlash if the AG appealed the decision; pledged UMNO would pressure Parliament for enforcement. | The Vibes |
| Masidi Manjun (Finance Minister) | 1 | Set deadlines for 40% entitlement negotiations; vowed Sabah would take “all necessary steps” to secure revenue data. | The Star |
UPKO / Sabah PH | 1 | Urged federal government to implement the 40% entitlement and not to appeal the ruling. | The Star |
PKAN (Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri) | 1 | Demanded transparency and public reporting on MA63 rights and the 40% revenue issue. | Daily Express |
*Minimum verified = instances documented in credible media sources. Actual numbers may be higher when including state assembly speeches, internal party pressers, or social media statements.
🗣️ Reaction vs. Action: Dr Jeffrey Leads, Others Follow
The difference between Dr Jeffrey and many of his peers could not be clearer.
While most leaders reacted to the High Court decision — welcoming it, urging the Attorney-General not to appeal, or calling for implementation — Dr Jeffrey was demanding action long before the judiciary stepped in.
For years, he has been unwavering in framing the 40% entitlement not as a request, but as a legal and constitutional obligation. He repeatedly called for the Federal Government to honour its commitments, demanded a comprehensive review of laws that erode Sabah’s autonomy, and insisted on timelines and enforcement mechanisms.
These are not reactive statements. They are proactive demands — issued before the court ruling, before the public pressure, and often before anyone else dared to speak so boldly.
⚖️ Political Lip Service Won’t Win Our Rights
Leadership is not about releasing press statements after the courts do their job. Leadership is about standing firm even when it is unpopular — about pushing for justice when it’s difficult and risky. And in this struggle, Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has been the most consistent, relentless, and outspoken voice for Sabah’s rights.
Meanwhile, the majority of Sabah’s political establishment has been content to issue statements after the court makes a decision. They respond to events — they do not shape them.
The 40% revenue entitlement is not a matter of opinion. It is a constitutional right — one that the High Court has now affirmed. Sabah does not ask for charity; Sabah demands what is rightfully hers.
✊ The Road Ahead: Demand, Don’t React
The fight is far from over. Putrajaya may attempt to appeal, delay, or dilute Sabah’s entitlement. When that happens, Sabah needs leaders who are ready to demand — not just react.
The record is clear: over the past five years, no one has done that more consistently, more forcefully, or with more clarity than Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
While others waited for the judiciary to speak, he was already shouting:
“Return what is ours. Fulfil the promise of MA63. Honour Sabah’s rights.”
And that is the kind of leadership Sabah desperately needs.
✊ #JusticeForSabah #SabahForSabahan #40PeratusHakKita #MA63
