KOTA KINABALU, May 31 -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has welcomed the RM1.5 billion interim special grant for the state announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.

"Sabah hopes the funds will be disbursed as soon as possible for the benefit of the people of Sabah," he said.

The Chief Minister also welcomed the Prime Minister's assurance during the opening of the Pesta Kaamatan celebration that the Federal Government would honour the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

"It proves that the Federal Government under Anwar is a responsible government that walks the talk.

"The state government will work closely with the federal government to ensure all the provisions under MA63, especially the 40 per...