KUCHING, Oct 23, 2025: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has criticised Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim for describing Sabah leaders’ quit threat over the 40 per cent revenue issue as political ransom, calling the remark insulting and dismissive of Sabah’s constitutional rights.
Peter John Jaban: Any attempt by the A-GC to appeal the ruling on the 40 per cent revenue entitlement to Sabah would be a betrayal of the government’s repeated promises to honour MA63.
He said they are not holding anyone hostage, but are standing up for a right that is clearly guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“To call standing up for their rights as a political ransom is to mock both justice and federal integrity,” Peter said today.
He warned the federal government coalition against appealing the ruling of the Kota Kinabalu High Court on the 40 per cent revenue issue.
“If the federal Attorney-General’s Chambers (A-GC) proceeds to file an appeal against the 40 per cent revenue entitlement claim, it could trigger a strong backlash from Sabahans in the upcoming 16th state election,” he warned.
He also urged the federal government to respect the court’s decision.
He said the court’s ruling reaffirmed Sabah’s entitlement to 40 per cent of federal revenue derived from the state, under Articles 112C and 112D of the Constitution.
“Any attempt by the A-GC to appeal the ruling would be a betrayal of the government’s repeated promises to honour MA63.
“The federal budget allocations to Sabah are temporary and discretionary while the 40 per cent entitlement is a legal obligation.
“Sabah is not asking for charity, but is asking for restitution,” he said.
Peter urged the members of parliament from Sabah to suspend or withdraw their support for the federal government if Putrajaya proceeds with the appeal.
He added no leader should continue backing a government that fights in court to deny their people’s rights, saying that true federalism is built on respect, not subservience.
He stressed that Sabah and Sarawak’s struggle is not an act of rebellion but an effort to restore equality within the federation.
He added labeling the effort to restore equality as political ransom only deepens distrust between the Borneo states and the peninsula.
“Justice for Sabah and Sarawak is justice for Malaysia,” he said.
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