KOTA KINABALU, Sept. 11 -- The interim allocation for Sabah will immediately rise to RM1.5 billion this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said this in reply to a request from Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council meeting (MTPMA63) press conference here.

Anwar pointed out the payment is an interim measure and that negotiations would continue, taking into account the country's financial position, as provided for in the original agreement.

"However, if the increase is too small, it may be disputed. So, we will wait for Parliament in October to table the paper and then disburse the RM1.5 billion this year as well, perhaps at the end ...