Sabah’s 40% revenue talks begin as Anwar Ibrahim pushes for MA63 rights

Decades of unresolved claims meet a turning point. Will Sabah finally secure its 40% revenue share—and the infrastructure it desperately needs?

, and Administrator

2025 November 16 . 1:23 PM

1 min read

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Sabah’s 40% revenue talks begin as Anwar Ibrahim pushes for MA63 rights

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that negotiations over Sabah's 40 per cent revenue entitlement will commence on Monday, November 17, 2025. Led by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, the talks aim to resolve the longstanding issue.

Anwar Ibrahim, in a recent statement, highlighted the Madani Government's efforts to address inherited challenges. This includes restoring regulatory control over electricity to Sabah and allocating substantial funds - RM1.2 billion for electricity sustainability and RM1 billion for water issue resolution.

The Prime Minister has clarified that the Federal Government's appeal is directed at the Kota Kinabalu High Court's grounds of judgment, not the decision on Sabah's special grant entitlement. He expressed that previous leaders, including Donald Stephens and Tun Mustapha, should not be blamed for past decisions.

Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the need for cooperation between the Sabah government and the Federal Government to swiftly tackle infrastructure issues such as water, electricity, and roads. He also stressed the importance of addressing state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed his commitment to developing Sabah into a progressive state, contributing to Malaysia's growth. With negotiations on Sabah's revenue entitlement set to begin, the Prime Minister's focus on cooperation and infrastructure resolution signals a proactive approach to Sabah's development.