Ramdi Indang… The court’s judgment is a moral victory for the people of Sabah, and any appeal against it will be seen as a “slap” that ignores their suffering.
KOTA KINABALU : – Sakag Talantang Sabah Organisation (Sakag Talantang) fully supports calls that the Attorney General should not appeal against the Kota High Court’s judgment on the Sabah 40 percent revenue Entitlement.
The organisation’ s president Ramdi Indang said the AG’s appeal against the decision will be seen as a betrayal of the principles of social justice and Sabah’s autonomy.
“It has the potential to reinforce “stepchild” sentiments that could change the political landscape of Sabah, ” he said in a statement Saturday.
Ramdi, a Justice of Peace, pointed out that the issue of the 40 percent claim is centred on two articles in the Federal Constitution:
· Article 112C: –
Provides for the granting of special grants and the devolution of revenue to Sabah and Sarawak.
· Article 112D: –
Provides for the periodic review of the special grants, which should be carried out every five years.
The federal government’s failure to carry out this mandatory review since 1974 has been deemed by the Kota Kinabalu High Court to be unlawful.
From a political perspective, this failure represents a continued disregard for the constitutional provisions that protect Sabah’s rights.
The AGC’s appeal will place Sabah leaders in the federal government, particularly from parties such as Upko, in a very difficult position.
Ramdi said Sabahan ministers such as UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick have made it clear that the AGC should not appeal this court’s decision.
He has openly stated that he will bring this position to Cabinet meetings.
Upko believes that if the government’s decision to appeal conflicts with the principles championed by a minister, then resignation is a “principled act” and normal in the Westminster system.
Ewon had announced that he will quit from the Federal Cabinet should the AG Appeal against the Kota Kinabalu High Court decision.
Ramdi said the 40 per cent issue is not just a financial claim, but has become a key symbol of Sabah’s struggle for autonomy.
From a social justice perspective, the appeal will reinforce the perception that the federal government is ignoring the welfare of the people of Sabah.
This continued denial of constitutionally guaranteed rights creates a sense of injustice among the people of Sabah.
This court’s judgment is a moral victory, and any appeal against it will be seen as a “slap” that ignores their suffering.
The AGC appeal has the potential to be a catalyst for a larger political shift in Sabah.
It is not just a legal issue, but a test of the federal government’s commitment to creating social justice and practicing true federalism.
The AGC’s subsequent actions will send a profound political message about whether the voices and rights of the people of Sabah are being heard, or continue to be ignored.
