Why did Anwar call Sabah-Sarawak tax debate ‘cheap politics’?

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Anwar Criticises ‘Cheap Politics’ Amid Sabah and Sarawak Tax Contribution Debate

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has labelled attempts to politicise the debate surrounding Sabah and Sarawak’s tax contributions to the federal government as “cheap politics.” He asserted that certain individuals, including former ministers and prime ministers, had previously opposed efforts to increase allocations for these states, making current criticisms unfair. Anwar stated that his administration has elevated the special revenue-sharing arrangement with Sabah and Sarawak to its highest level, amounting to RM307 million.
Opposition to Past Allocation Increases

Anwar highlighted that the current discourse is being driven by parties who, in the past, actively resisted increasing the financial provisions for Sabah and Sarawak. He implied that these same individuals or groups are now using the issue for political gain, despite their previous lack of support for enhanced state allocations. This historical context, he suggested, undermines the legitimacy of current criticisms.
Increased Financial Allocations Under Current Administration

Under the current government, Anwar detailed significant increases in financial support for Sabah. Specifically, the special grant for Sabah saw its allocation rise from RM126 million to RM300 million for 2025, with a further increase to RM600 million planned for 2026. Beyond these specific grants, a substantial RM17 billion has been earmarked for Sabah’s overall development across 2025 and 2026.
Rejection of Narrow Political Framing

The Prime Minister emphasised that national governance and development cannot be viewed through a narrow lens that prioritises one race, tribe, or state at the expense of others. He stressed the importance of a holistic approach, ensuring that the interests of all regions are considered and met. This perspective, he argued, is crucial to avoid falling victim to divisive political tactics.
Addressing Misleading Interpretations Post-Court Ruling

Anwar held a special briefing following the Kota Kinabalu High Court's ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent federal revenue entitlement. He expressed concern that the judgment could be misinterpreted, leading to a false impression that the federal government solely extracts revenue from Sabah without contributing to its development. His statements aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the federal government's financial commitments to the state.

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Why did Anwar call Sabah-Sarawak tax debate ‘cheap politics’?

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