TWELVE Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) representatives withdrew their originating summons (OS) seeking a court order for the federal government to recognise and deliver Sabah’s constitutional rights.

In a joint statement today, they said there was progress made by a technical committee – Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council – chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whereby two of the three declarations they sought had been agreed to and would be implemented soon.

“We are also pleased to know … the net revenue collected or derived from Sabah annually will be made known to representatives of the Sabah government … when the Inland Revenue Board Act 1995 amendment is tabled in parliament.

“We are also aware last year’s review will be superseded by a new review, which will be ready soon, and that this new review will increase the amount of special grants for Sabah.

Considering some plaintiffs hold positions in the federal and state governments, the representatives said it was untenable for them to continue pursuing legal action.

“We agree to withdraw our OS, but with the liberty to file afresh. If the remaining issues are not resolved and cannot be agreed upon, we reserve the right to bring this case back to court to pursue any unresolved constitutional rights, as provided for in the MA63,” they said.

The OS was filed on June 3 last year, seeking a court order that the federal government recognise and deliver Sabah’s constitutional rights as provided under the Federal Constitution, and that the constitution provides that Sabah receive special grants amounting to 40% of the Federation’s net revenue from Sabah.

The 12 PH representatives were Ewon Benedick (Penampang MP and Kadamaian assemblyman), Wilfred Madius Tangau (Tuaran MP), Chan Foong Hin (Kota Kinabalu MP), Vivian Wong (Sandakan MP), senator Noorita Sual, Frankie Poon (Tanjung Papat assemblyman), Christina Liew (Api-Api assemblyman), Phoong Jin Zhe (Luyang assemblyman), Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan assemblyman), Peto Galim (Inanam assemblyman), Tan Lee Fatt (Likas assemblyman) and Awang Hussaini Sahari (ex-Putatan MP). – Bernama, September 20, 2023.