KOTA KINABALU, July 20 -- Sabah has received RM600 million of the RM1.5 billion interim special grant from the federal government, with the balance of RM900 million requested to be paid within the year, said state Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Mohd Ishak Ayub.

He said the RM1.5 billion payment announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is an interim arrangement and does not represent the final amount due to Sabah under the Federal Constitution.

Mohd Ishak said the state maintains its position that the 40 per cent revenue entitlement under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution must be fully implemented, adding that the interim payment does not prejudice Sabah's constitutional rights or ongoing negotiations.

"If...