The federal government’s application to suspend a court order is to safeguard ongoing talks on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, says minister Mustapha Sakmud

KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government’s application to suspend a court order does not affect Sabah’s constitutional right to a 40% special grant.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Mustapha Sakmud (pic) said the stay application aims to provide space for continued negotiations.

He stated it allows for a detailed review of the Federal Government’s net revenue calculation. The application is scheduled to be heard at the Court of Appeal on March 31.

Mustapha explained that since November 2025, the Federal Government has shared revenue data from Sabah for 2007 to 2025.

Efforts are ongoing to complete data for earlier periods, known as The Lost Years, which require verification.

On October 17, 2025, the High Court ordered a joint review of the 40% entitlement for 1974 to 2021. The 180-day period for this order is expected to end on April 15, 2026.

“Without the suspension, both parties face the risk of committal proceedings even though the appeal process has yet to be heard,” Mustapha said.

He stressed that the stance of the Sabah state government and the Sabah Law Society, which objected to the application, should be respected.

This stance is part of the system of checks and balances, he added.

 The Sun Malaysia