SUPP Youth Chief Welcomes Court Ruling on Sabah’s Revenue Rights

suppadmin | October 28, 2025

SUPP Kuching Branch Youth Chairman Nicholas Wung Duk Ying has hailed the recent Kota Kinabalu High Court decision declaring the Federal Government’s failure to return 40 percent of Sabah’s net revenue as unconstitutional, calling it a landmark victory for the state and its people.

Delivered on October 17, the judgment requires the Federal Government to begin a new review with the Sabah Government within 90 days and conclude an agreement within 180 days to enforce the entitlement under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.

Wung said the ruling reaffirmed the law as a crucial tool in protecting constitutional rights, noting that Malaysia’s legal system empowers individuals, associations and NGOs to challenge government decisions through judicial review. He praised the Sabah Law Society for taking up the case, describing it as a legitimate and commendable effort to defend public interest.

He also expressed regret over the withdrawal of 12 Sabah Pakatan Harapan MPs from their lawsuit on September 21, 2023, saying the move appeared to provide an escape route for the Federal Government. “Fortunately, the Sabah Law Society’s earlier legal action ensured the issue was not buried,” he added.

Wung said the ruling will have strong political implications ahead of the Sabah state election on November 29. “This case proves that parties representing Peninsular interests cannot fully safeguard Sabah’s rights. Local Sabah parties now have a clear advantage in fighting for state autonomy,” he said.

He added that the outcome serves as a lesson for Sarawak, stressing that negotiations with the Federal Government on rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 should not rely on Peninsular-based parties. “These parties ultimately serve as political agents of the Federal Government and cannot oppose central interests. Only a strong and united GPS government can give Sarawak the leverage and confidence to reclaim its rightful powers,” Wung said.