adminKOTA KINABALU (May 1): A heated exchange broke out in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) this evening after Kapayan assemblyman Chin Tek Ming attempted to table a motion on Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of federal revenue.
The tense episode unfolded towards the close of proceedings, drawing in Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor as voices were raised across the floor.
Chin rose on a point of order under Standing Order 13, seeking to table what he described as a matter of public interest.
“I would like to table a motion… according to Standing Order 23… if we have 12 assemblymen to stand up and support, therefore, we can read the motion,” he said, arguing that with government business concluded, the House could proceed to private members’ business.
However, Kadzim swiftly ruled the attempt out of order, clarifying that Standing Order 23 applied only to emergency motions.
“This is for the emergency motion. But your motion is not under 23. That is not allowed,” he said.
Undeterred, Chin proceeded to outline the motion, which called for the implementation of Sabah’s constitutional right to receive 40 per cent of net federal revenue from 2022 onwards, as well as greater transparency, data disclosure, and a clear timeline for payment.
Kadzim interjected, saying the matter itself was not in dispute.
“It has never been disputed… we acknowledge it is a constitutional responsibility by the federal government to pay us 40 per cent. So what is the issue now?” he asked.
Chin replied that the intention was to secure a formal mandate from the House.
“We would like to have the full support from the floor… to show solidarity,” he said, adding that a resolution would strengthen the Chief Minister’s hand in negotiations.
But the Kadzim maintained that support for the claim had already been recorded during the debate.
“Whatever you said is recorded… you think having it recorded you can force it to be expedited, to be paid tomorrow?” he said.
At this point, Hajiji rose, accusing Chin of politicising the issue.
“I see this Kapayan assemblyman is playing politics… they think we do not support the 40 per cent claim,” he said.
Chin rejected the accusation, insisting the motion was intended to assert Sabah’s rights through the House.
The exchange escalated, with Hajiji responding sharply: “You think I am afraid? I have never been afraid, never pressured.”
He stressed that both the state leadership and the federal government, including the Prime Minister, supported the claim, and cautioned against using the issue for “political mileage”.
“Not only in this House, but all Malaysians in Sabah fully support the 40 per cent. So do not use this as political mileage,” he said.
The debate grew increasingly heated, with other assemblymen attempting to interject as microphones were intermittently cut.
Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said it was “quite obvious” that all members supported the claim, and questioned the intent behind the motion.
“We all want that 40 per cent… it gives the impression that we do not support, which is not necessary,” he said.
Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya also voiced support, saying: “We are also fighting for it.”
Meanwhile, Sekong assemblyman Alias Sani proposed that a closed-door briefing be arranged for opposition members to better understand issues surrounding MA63, the 40 per cent entitlement and related matters.
Hajiji responded that opposition representatives could engage directly with relevant ministries or state authorities.
“What is the problem? As elected representatives, you can meet departments or meet us. We will give information,” he said.
Kadzim later indicated that a briefing could be arranged, but cautioned that only a general chronology could be shared as certain details were classified.
The sitting was adjourned at 5.09pm following the exchange.
-Agency
