In recent months, Malayan parties and their local affiliates have intensified their propaganda in Sabah’s interior, particularly in constituencies like Tambunan. Their narrative is simple but manipulative — that all development funds for Sabah come from the Federal Government, and therefore, Sabahans should vote for them to “ensure progress.”
This is the oldest trick in the colonial playbook.
It’s Not Their Money — It’s Ours
Let’s get one fact straight: the money spent on roads, schools, and infrastructure in Sabah does not come from the generosity of Malaya. It comes from Sabah’s own wealth — the oil, gas, timber, palm oil, and taxes collected from this land.
Under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sabah was promised 40% of the net revenue collected by the Federal Government from the state. But for decades, that commitment has been ignored.
Even Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan has consistently highlighted that, based on various taxes and revenues collected in Sabah, the state is entitled to at least RM20 billion annually — not a mere RM600 million “special grant” that the Federal Government proudly announced in Budget 2026.
📎 The Borneo Post – Sabah estimates RM20 billion in 40% revenue entitlement
📎 Focus Malaysia – Kitingan: Sabah demands its RM20 bil share to fuel growth
RM600 Million — Crumbs Compared to What Is Owed
While the Federal Government is celebrating the RM600 million special grant as “proof of commitment,” Sabahans must see it for what it truly is — crumbs.
When we are entitled to at least RM20 billion every year, this small increase is not a favor. It’s a token gesture to pacify discontent. The so-called “special grant” is only meant to buy time and quiet down voices demanding justice. 3% of RM20 billion.
This is nothing short of economic manipulation. They starve our people for decades, then offer breadcrumbs and expect applause — all while our natural wealth continues to fuel Malaya’s prosperity.
The Real Agenda — Silence the Voices of Autonomy
It is no coincidence that as Dr. Jeffrey’s message of state autonomy gains traction, the Federal side grows increasingly desperate. Their clandestine political maneuvering — enticing defections, installing loyalists, and funding narratives through local proxies — is designed to weaken Sabah’s unity and stall MA63 implementation.
This is exactly what we see with Datuk Victor Paut, who claims he can bring more development to Tambunan by “working with” the Federal Government. What he’s really saying is that he wants Sabahans to beg for their own money — by bending a knee to the same bullies who have been withholding what rightfully belongs to us.
While We Appreciate Dialogue, Autonomy Must Be Defended
While we appreciate the readiness of the Prime Minister to discuss the obligations of the Federal Government — and it certainly is better than the BN era which for decades withheld the birthrights of Sabahans — we must remind the PM that autonomy was also promised to our founding fathers.
Hence, the voices of Sabahans, through their state assembly seats, must never fall into outsiders’ hands. To lose our political voice is to surrender our autonomy.
Wake Up, Sabahans
We must not mistake our own money for Federal generosity. This illusion of benevolence is how Malaya keeps Sabah poor and dependent.
Dr. Jeffrey’s struggle is not just about budgets and grants — it’s about dignity, equality, and self-determination.
Sabahans deserve to stand tall, not with hands outstretched.
Justice For Sabah. Sabah For Sabahan.
