“I said we would finalise it this week after hearing the attorney-general and (consulting) the Cabinet.

“My personal inclination is to avoid appealing (the court’s decision). I’ve made it clear on that,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysia Digital roadshow in Tawau today.

Earlier, in his speech at the event, Anwar said he would be fine with not filing an appeal against the ruling, but the final decision will be made after consulting the entire Cabinet at tomorrow’s special meeting.

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, a key party in the government, and several other quarters had urged Putrajaya against appealing the decision and to hold constructive engagements on the matter instead.

However, this issue had led to Upko president Ewon Benedick resigning as entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister because of the stance by the Attorney-General’s Chambers on the 40% federal revenue share.

Anwar also described Ewon’s departure from the federal Cabinet as “premature”, noting that Ewon is well aware that a decision has not yet been finalised.

“Sometimes we get pressured and panic, but as leaders, we cannot panic. We have to listen and understand Sabah’s concerns, but also understand the (Federal) Constitution.

“There is a process that must be followed,” he said, adding that the written grounds for the judgment were only received three days ago, and contain both strengths and weaknesses.