Letter to Editor: Sarawak rights movement gives full backing to Sabahans' demand for 40 per cent revenue entitlement

By Peter John Jaban

We, Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS), stand in full solidarity with the people of Sabah in their rightful demand for the 40% revenue entitlement owed to them under Article 112C of the Constitution, read together with Part IV of the Tenth Schedule.

This is not a new demand, nor is it a political creation. It is a constitutional guarantee one that has been ignored, diluted, and delayed for far too long.

The 40% entitlement represents Sabah’s rightful share of the net revenue collected by the Federal Government from the state.

Yet, despite Sabah’s vast natural wealth, its people continue to face underdevelopment and economic hardship. This is a matter of justice.

As Sarawakians who have long advocated for the rights of Borneo states, we must stress that what affects Sabah today will inevitably affect Sarawak tomorrow.

The erosion of constitutional safeguards, if left unchallenged, weakens the very foundation. upon which Malaysia was formed.

We suggest that all elected representatives in Sabah both at the state and federal levels to rise above political differences and act decisively.

If their Wakil Rakyat are sincere in defending Sabah’s rights, they must mobilise the people and stand together in a peaceful assembly (perhimpunan aman) to demand what is rightfully theirs.

Sabahans must stand united and put aside political differences, just as Sarawak has consistently done over the years when defending its rights.

This is not about political parties or personal interests; it is about unity, strength, and a shared future.

Sabah has 73 State Constituencies and 25 Parliamentary Constituencies. If each elected Wakil Rakyat brings just 200 people, nearly 20,000 Sabahans will gather in unity.

Such a peaceful show of strength will send a powerful and unmistakable message to Putrajaya Sabah’s rights are not negotiable.

Stay strong like Sarawak firm, united, and unwavering. If Sabah stands weak, the Borneo states will be easily sidelined and their rights diminished, but when Sabah stands strong, it strengthens the voice and position of all in Borneo States.

This is not about confrontation.

This is about accountability.

This is about restoring dignity to the people of Sabah.

This is about your future.

The people have waited long enough.

Now is the time to stand.

 

Editor’s note:

Peter John Jaban is a Sarawak rights activist and Founder Saya Anak Sarawak rights movement.

 

 

Putrajaya hands over 80 rural water supply projects, costing RM3.47 billion, to Sarawak government

KUCHING, April 14 2026: The federal government today handed over the implementation of 80 rural water supply projects worth RM3.47 billion to the Sarawak government to accelerate access to clean water supply, especially in rural areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (picture) said the handover to the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is to accelerate the implementation of projects that were previously implemented under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans.

"Of the total 80 projects, 50 projects are currently under implementation, nine have been completed, 20 are at the post-implementation stage while one project has been cancelled," he said in a press conference after chairing the rural water supply project coordination committee meeting today.

He stressed that both governments agreed to prioritise solutions over blaming any party, including reviewing existing regulations that could potentially delay the implementation of the project.

He said that the handover process also involved close consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and related agencies to ensure smooth implementation without compromising legal aspects.

At the same time, he welcomed the approach proposed by the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications which emphasized efficiency of implementation without neglecting regulatory compliance.

“Sarawak has its own plan to achieve full water supply coverage by 2030, and so far the implementation by the state government has reached about 93 percent, a very encouraging achievement,” he explained.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the federal Minister of Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the federal Cabinet has agreed to hand over the rural water project to the Sarawak government in the Cabinet Meeting on March 17, 2026.

A total of RM141.87 million was also allocated under the First Rolling Plan (RP1), 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for the year 2026 to support the smooth implementation of the project.

This step to empower the state government is expected to accelerate access to clean water supply across the board, thus improving the quality of life of rural communities in Sarawak.

Also present were Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Julaihi Narawi and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Rubiah Wang as well as Heads of Departments.