Critics of the current arrangement argue that the federal government's failure to release the full RM1.5 billion target—leaving a RM900 million shortfall—undermines the constitutional rights of Sabah. The special grant is not merely a discretionary gift from Putrajaya but a fundamental obligation enshrined in the Federal Constitution. By withholding the full amount, the federal government is effectively delaying the state's ability to address urgent infrastructure deficits and economic disparities that have persisted for decades.
From this perspective, the reliance on 'interim' deals is seen as a way to bypass the necessity of a permanent, transparent, and fair revenue-sharing formula. Every delay in receiving the full balance forces the Sabah state government to operate in a state of financial uncertainty. This hampers the ability of local leaders to commit to long-term projects, as they must constantly adjust their plans based on the unpredictable timing and amount of federal disbursements.
There is also a significant concern regarding the opportunity cost for the people of Sabah. Every month that the remaining RM900 million is held back, vital projects such as road improvements, water supply upgrades, and rural development initiatives are stalled. For a state that contributes significantly to the national economy, particularly through its natural resources, this fiscal bottleneck is viewed as an inequitable distribution of wealth that hinders the state's potential for growth.
Accountability is the central issue here. The public deserves a clear, time-bound commitment from the federal government to settle the full amount owed. Without a definitive timeline for the remaining balance, the current process risks becoming a cycle of negotiation that favors federal control over state autonomy. True progress requires moving beyond interim measures and establishing a firm, constitutional-based financial settlement that respects the rights of the state and its citizens.