Ewon calls for unity to build stronger, more competitive Penampang

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 3): Past challenges, including floods and political differences, should serve as a reminder for leaders and residents in Penampang to unite in building a stronger and more competitive district, said Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick.

“Disasters and political differences should not divide us.

“Instead, they must strengthen our resolve and remind us that there is still much work to be done for Penampang,” he said at the Penampang Parliamentary Office Christmas and New Year celebration and the launch of the Tamu Desa open hall at Kampung Ramayah here on Saturday.

Ewon, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives (MINDEC), said development efforts would not succeed if leaders continued to focus on one another’s weaknesses rather than working together.

“We will never complete our responsibilities if we keep clashing with one another and highlighting each other’s shortcomings.

“But if we stand united, every individual has a role to play, no more and no less, just like the different parts of the human body that work together,” he said.

Ewon said he was encouraged to see leaders who previously held differing political views coming together at the Saturday celebration.

“This is the real Penampang. During elections, we may have different opinions on who to support, but today we are all here together as friends. This is the spirit that must guide us moving forward,” he said.

The Kadamaian assemblyman added that cooperation between leaders had already produced results, citing the inclusion of a flood mitigation project for Penampang in the 2026 Budget.

“This is the kind of synergy we must strengthen. When we work together, we can bring real outcomes for the people,” he said.

He said he would continue to raise issues affecting the district in Parliament, beginning with the next parliamentary sitting later this month.

“Starting from the next sitting, the people of Penampang will hear their MP speak in the Dewan Rakyat to raise the issues that matter to them,” he said.

He also congratulated Noemi Dyena John Tren on her appointment as the new Penampang Municipal Council (MPS) president, saying the involvement of women in leadership was essential for balanced and inclusive governance.

“In Penampang, it would not be right if women had no role in leadership.

“I believe this will help balance our aspirations and strengthen the implementation of development and unity agendas,” he said.

The minister added that transport and logistics would be among the most challenging areas under his ministry, particularly congestion at ports, which had a direct impact on economic activity.

“Port congestion affects business, industry and the cost of doing business. This is why logistics and transport must become a major focus of my ministry,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the Tamu Desa open hall would provide better conditions for small traders, particularly women, who previously had to operate in uncomfortable conditions during weekly tamu activities.

“This hall may be simple, but it is important. At the very least, the mothers who sell here will no longer have to endure the heat when the tamu is held,” he said.

Also present at the celebration was nominated assemblyman Datuk Caesar Mandela Malakun.