KOTA KINABALU, Nov 9 – Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick has announced his resignation from the Federal Cabinet, citing a matter of principle over the federal government’s stance on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
Ewon, who is also president of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), said his decision was prompted by the written judgment of the Kota Kinabalu High Court on the judicial review filed by the Sabah Law Society (SLS), which ruled on the interpretation of Sabah’s constitutional rights under Article 112C of the Federal Constitution.
“I cannot agree with the position taken by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), which I believe disregards the historical basis of Malaysia’s formation, particularly the conditions under which Sabah joined the Federation in 1963,” Ewon said in a Facebook post last night.
Ewon added that since the AGC serves as the legal adviser to the Prime Minister and the federal government, it would be “highly inappropriate” for him to remain in the Cabinet given their position on the matter.
“The AGC’s approach toward the 40 per cent entitlement issue over the past three years of my tenure in the Federal Cabinet has been entirely at odds with my stance as Upko President,” he stressed.
He said his position has always been clear — that the federal government should not appeal the High Court’s decision but instead commence negotiations with the Sabah government to implement the 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
“I cannot support any decision that contradicts the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling delivered on October 17, and I am prepared to step down from the Federal Cabinet,” he said.
Ewon said he would write to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to formally notify him of his resignation.
“I wish to express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve in the Cabinet, which has provided me a platform to advocate for Sabah’s constitutional rights,” he said.
He reiterated that Upko’s struggle has always centred on the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the protection of Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“As President of Upko, I want to see Sabah’s rights implemented. That is my principle and the reason I entered politics,” Ewon said.
Ewon had previously filed an originating summons in June 2022 against the federal and Sabah governments over the 40 per cent entitlement issue, but later withdrew it in September 2023 following ongoing negotiations.
He added that a special meeting of the Upko Supreme Council will be convened next Monday to discuss the Sabah First agenda, which forms the foundation of the party’s future direction.
“The respect, recognition, and implementation of Sabah’s 40 percent entitlement, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution, must be honoured,” he said, adding that it is time for the federal government to act in the spirit of the MA63. – The Borneo Post
