KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — The interim allocation for Sabah will immediately rise to RM1.5 billion this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said this in reply to a request from Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council meeting (MTPMA63) press conference here.

Anwar pointed out the payment is an interim measure and that negotiations would continue, taking into account the country’s financial position, as provided for in the original agreement.

“However, if the increase is too small, it may be disputed. So, we will wait for Parliament in October to table the paper and then disburse the RM1.5 billion this year as well, perhaps at the end of October or early November,” he stated.

Hajiji had earlier, on behalf of the Sabah state government, also requested the settlement of the 40 per cent payment to Sabah.

“Therefore, we hope that this matter can also be resolved and expedited. That is on behalf of the Sabah government,” said Hajiji.

Separately, Anwar also said for Sarawak, although it is not included under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, the same spirit should nevertheless be taken into consideration.

“Therefore, I will continue discussions with the Premier over the next few days. Hopefully, by 16th September, Malaysia Day in Kuching, I will also be able to announce an interim measure for Sarawak,” he said.

He added that Sarawak has also put forward its views on a formula that should be introduced, so that the formula clearly takes into account the country’s financial position and capacity, as well as the minimum that can be considered and the maximum.

“I agree and I have asked the Ministry of Finance and the Sarawak Ministry of Finance to discuss the introduction of such a formula,” said Anwar.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed his appreciation for the earlier discussion and for the decisions that have been reached. — The Borneo Post