Sabah UMNO today described the Federal Government's nod for a special committee on Sabah's claim to 40 per cent of the net state-derived federal revenue, as proactive.

Its Liaison assistant secretary Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun who is also Ranau UMNO division chief said it was a smart and mature move with regard to federal and state relations.

"I hope the committee would be set up quickly so we can reassure the people that the federal government always has their interest at heart," he told reporters at Sabah Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin's Aidilfitri open house at Istana Negeri here.

On Wednesday, Kimanis member of parliament Datuk Seri Anifah Aman disclosed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had agreed for a special committee to be formed to study the claim.

Anifah who is also Foreign Minister said the committee would also study certain issues especially the state's rights to oil and gas royalty, which was last paid in 1974.

The following day, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman in a statement lauded the prime minister's decision, saying it would put to rest queries regarding Sabah’s right to the payment which had been a concern for the state government.

Meanwhile, Parti Bersatu Sabah president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said by agreeing to the setting up of the special committee, the federal government showed it had not turned a deaf ear to the voices of the people in Sabah.

"It is good news, which will continue in the committee discussions towards achieving what is desired," he said.

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Organisation acting president Datuk Madius Tangau said there was justification to set up the special committee.

"UPKO had supported the call right from the beginning for the matter that had been agreed to earlier, to be finalised," he said.