In thanking the prime minister, who gave the assurance today, Chief Minister Shafie Apdal said it was an indication of Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s concern for Sabah rights.
“We thank Dr Mahathir and we are truly grateful. It is wonderful news for us in Sabah.
“It is a promise fulfilled within 100 days and is a very positive step,” he said in a statement here today.
The Parti Warisan Sabah president said securing the 20% oil royalty was part of the party’s manifesto and an election promise made together with its partners in Pakatan Harapan.
“It is a clear reflection that the new governments in Malaysia and Sabah are serious about fulfilling the aspirations of the people who wanted change.
“The Warisan-led Sabah government will continue to work with the federal government to secure more autonomy for Sabah, in line with the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63).”
Mahathir, during question time at the Dewan Rakyat today, gave the assurance that the government would adhere to the promises in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto for the 14th general election and was committed to fulfilling them.
He said this included fulfilling the promise of providing 20% royalty to the petroleum-producing states of the country.
Mahathir also reminded the recipient states to use the royalty for the good of the states and not to misuse it to strengthen political parties or for other purposes.
“I can assure the people that every effort will be made to ensure that the additional revenue will be used for the benefit of the people in Sabah,” Shafie said.
The chief minister said unlike the previous Barisan Nasional government, the Warisan-led administration is fully committed to elevating Sabah to greater heights without caring for personal benefits.
Sabah has been asking for oil royalty to be increased from 5% to 20% for many years but to no avail.
Meanwhile, United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation president Wilfred Madius Tangau was equally exuberant about the announcement and thanked the prime minister.
“This is fantastic because this is exactly what the people of Sabah have long aspired and hoped for.
“The additional income will be a major boost to the economic growth of Sabah and this will augur well for the people of the state,” he said.