The boost in Sabah's interim Special Grant allocation—nearly tripling from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion—underscores Kuala Lumpur's resolve to honour the state's constitutional standing, according to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement on May 31 represents meaningful progress in safeguarding Sabah's fiscal interests, Armizan said.
While legal proceedings over Sabah's claim to 40 per cent of federal revenue continue in the courts, GRS maintains that the Special Grant review under the Federal Constitution's Articles 112C and 112D must go ahead, with the revised entitlement officially gazetted this year. This stance aligns with public commitments made by the Prime Minister, including remarks delivered in parliament on November 13, 2025, where he recognised Sabah's constitutional claim to the 40 per cent allocation.
Armizan, who also serves as Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, recently convened discussions with several Sabah parliamentarians to assess progress on implementing the state's revenue share—a cornerstone demand in ongoing negotiations. He reaffirmed that GRS would persist in advocating for Sabah's interests through sustained dialogue and collaboration with the federal administration, balancing firmness with constructiveness.
