He congratulated the Sabah Law Society (SLS) for its success in the case, saying the ruling underscored the constitutional guarantees enshrined under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution, which entitle Sabah to a 40% share of federal revenue derived from the state.

Salleh said the judgment reaffirmed that Sabah’s rights were not merely political promises, but constitutional obligations that must be fulfilled in the spirit of good faith, transparency, and cooperation between the federal and state governments.

“This is a significant moment – not just for the legal fraternity, but for every Sabahan who believes in fairness, partnership, and respect for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“As we move forward, it is my hope that this judgment will open a new chapter of mutual respect and constructive dialogue between Sabah and Putrajaya – guided by the same spirit of unity that built our federation,” he said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Upko welcomed the ruling, saying that it was a moral triumph for Sabahans, who have long sought the full recognition and implementation of the state’s constitutional rights under MA63.

Upko secretary-general Nelson Wences Angang said that today’s decision should serve as a clear signal to Putrajaya to fulfil its constitutional obligations towards Sabah.

“We urge the attorney-general not to appeal this decision,” he said.

The Kota Kinabalu High Court today ruled that the federal government acted unlawfully by failing to honour Sabah’s 40% share of federal revenue for nearly five decades.

The Sabah Law Society filed for a judicial review in 2022 after claiming that the federal government had breached the Federal Constitution by failing to conduct a mandatory revenue review every five years since 1974.