31/05/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday MAY 31, 2026

US to consider selling missile system to Malaysia

Sabah interim special grant increased to RM1.5b

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Armizan Mohd Ali said Kaamatan is a valuable cultural heritage of the people of Sabah and has long served as a source of strength for the community. He said this year’s theme reflects the aspiration to continue preserving values of mutual respect, appreciation of cultural diversity and strengthening bonds of brotherhood that unite people of various races and backgrounds. “May this year’s Kaamatan celebration bring joy and renewed spirit for us to work together in building a more progressive, prosperous and harmonious Sabah. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said Kaamatan is a symbol of thanksgiving for the harvest season and remains an integral part of Sabah’s cultural identity. He said the vibrant celebration not only reflects the spirit of unity implementation formula.” Anwar said the 40% revenue payment commitment has been presented to the Cabinet and formally announced in Parliament, with the main issue now centred on finalising the implementation mechanism. He added that Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican have been instructed to further refine discussions with the Sabah government. “This interim payment is not the final solution, but it demonstrates the government’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities to Sabah while the negotiation process is concluded. “This matter is tied to MA63. Every decision and figure must be examined in detail. It will take time, but it does not mean the allocation will not be delivered.” Anwar said the higher interim payment was approved despite fiscal pressures arising from global geopolitical uncertainties, which have affected oil prices and increased subsidy expenditures. He also said Sabah received significantly more in development spending and allocations than the revenue collected from it. He said Sabah generated about RM10 billion in federal revenue last year, while total federal expenditure and development allocations channelled to the state amounted to about RM17 billion. He also said while this does not diminish Sabah’s entitlement claims, it highlights the broader context of federal assistance, which includes development projects, subsidies and various forms of aid aimed at improving the wellbeing of Sabahans.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this year’s theme, “Menuai Perpaduan, Meraikan Keharmonian” (Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony), aptly reflects the spirit of Sabah, which is rich in cultural diversity, customs and beliefs. According to him, the state’s diversity of heritage and culture remains the key strength that continues to unite the people as one big Sabah family. “Let us continue to preserve the cultural heritage passed down by our ancestors while strengthening unity and the spirit of togetherness for the progress of our beloved state.” Cabinet members also extended Kaamatan greetings to the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Rungus communities in Sabah. In social media posts, they described Kaamatan as more than PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an increase in Sabah’s interim special grant allocation to RM1.5 billion this year, up from RM600 million previously, pending the finalisation of negotiations on the state’s 40% revenue entitlement under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He said the amount is only interim as the actual figure of the 40% revenue entitlement for Sabah still needs to be finalised through negotiations between the federal and state governments. “On the 40% (Sabah revenue issue), although it is said to fall under financial arrangement 112D (the review mechanism under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution), in my view, it is settled. Do not dispute our decision to fulfil this promise. “Whether it is implemented in June or December must be decided by both committees and then brought to the state government at the highest level, followed by negotiations between the federal and state governments.” He also said discussions between Putrajaya and the Sabah government are progressing in detail, as any decision involving MA63 would have implications for federal-state relations nationwide. “The government is not deliberately delaying the process. We want to ensure every decision is made carefully and responsibly. “Financial constraints can no longer be used as an excuse to postpone Sabah’s rights. The decision has already been made and what remains is to finalise the

Washington also proposes sharing of information related to maritime domain awareness

The Pensiangan MP said the spirit of Kaamatan is closely linked to shared responsibility in preserving the environment. “Environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility and harmony among people is more meaningful when we also live in harmony with our surroundings.” Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail expressed hope that the Kaamatan celebration would strengthen love among the people and bring prosperity to the nation and its people. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi expressed hope that the festival would bring joy, blessings and closer ties among the people. Also extending greetings via social media were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh. – Bernama includes the establishment of a Joint Planning Committee, expanded information sharing, and preparations for the upcoming Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee and Five-Power Defence Arrangements meetings. “I congratulate Australia on the implementation of the National Defence Strategy 2026 and Integrated Investment Programme 2026 as important steps in strengthening its defence capabilities and readiness.” Mohamed Khaled also said Canada and Malaysia are ready to strengthen defence ties through more formal cooperation. “We propose that a formal form of defence cooperation be established that is signed by both countries because the existing cooperation is not based on any agreement,” he added. The Shangri-La Dialogue IISS, organised by the International Institute of Strategic Studies at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, brought together defence ministers, military chiefs and diplomats from dozens of countries to discuss regional and global security and defence issues.

SINGAPORE: The United States has assured Malaysia that it would consider selling it a missile system as a solution to the issues facing the country regarding the acquisition of a weapons system from Norway, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the matter was raised by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which is being held from Friday to today. He also said he briefed Hegseth on the issues facing Malaysia on the purchase of naval strike missiles (NSM) from Norway and sought US views on the matter. “We have asked the United States for its views to help find a solution to the issue at hand because it is well known that there is a US company that manufactures the same missiles as Norway. “We have asked whether the United States is willing to allow the sale of the missile to us to

address the problem at hand.” The Norwegian government was previously reported to have revoked the export license of the NSM anti-ship missiles to Malaysia and its associated launcher system on the grounds of protecting the country’s security. The Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (KDA) US website said the NSM procurement was signed between the Malaysian navy and KDA in April 2018 with a contract value of 124 million euros (RM571.9 million) to equip six new littoral combat ships, Bernama reported. Mohamed Khaled said the United States also proposed sharing information related to the maritime domain awareness implemented by Malaysia. In other developments, he held a meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles to discuss efforts to boost strategic cooperation between the two countries. He said the cooperation

Govt officials extend Kaamatan Festival greetings KUALA LUMPUR: The Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually in May, is a significant cultural heritage that goes beyond tradition, symbolising gratitude, unity and harmony among the people of Sabah. just a harvest festival, representing a symbol of unity, cultural heritage and togetherness that underpins harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial society, particularly in Sabah. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk

Anwar (centre) harvesting padi upon his arrival at Hongkod Koisaan to officiate the Kaamatan Festival yesterday, along with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (third, left). – BERNAMAPIC

as a nation rich in culture, tradition and unity.” Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said Kaamatan is not only a continuation of cultural heritage, but also an important platform to strengthen unity, harmony and environmental awareness.

and togetherness among the state’s multi-ethnic communities, but also showcases Malaysia’s unique cultural heritage to the world, in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 aspirations. “May this year’s Kaamatan Festival be celebrated with joy, gratitude and harmony, further strengthening Malaysia’s identity