Local majority key to pursuing 40 pct rights, says Ewon

PENAMPANG (Dec 4): Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick says the newly formed state government’s composition dominated by local parties provides a stronger platform for Sabah to push for its 40 per cent revenue entitlement and other state rights.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of My Roof Hub on Thursday, Ewon said claims that Upko’s Sabah First agenda was a political “scam” were misplaced, emphasising that the principle remains central to his work in government.

“My Sabah First is to pursue the 40 per cent and Sabah rights, but the government has been formed. The wisdom lies with the Chief Minister.

“It is now a unity government, and I want to move forward,” he said, stressing that the current administration offers Sabah a better chance at negotiating the 40 per cent issue as it is composed predominantly of local parties with stronger representation in state-level decision-making.

“There are only two ministers from non-local parties. We are the majority in the decision-making, and that is very important.

This government is much better than the previous one in terms of composition,” he said.

Ewon added that the unity government structure enables leaders to pursue Sabah’s constitutional rights in a more coordinated manner, with local leaders sharing a common interest in rectifying long-standing federal–state imbalances.

Ewon, who previously served in the federal government, said his experience gave him insight into how federal ministries perceive the 40 per cent entitlement and he believes he can help bridge negotiations between the two governments.

“For the past three years, when I was in the federal government, I was pursuing that. Now that I am in the state government, I will continue to pursue it,” he said.

He emphasised that fighting for Sabah’s rights should be the responsibility of all Sabah leaders regardless of political affiliation, stating that constitutional entitlements must never be compromised.

Ewon expressed confidence that with his three years experience in the federal government, he would be able to play a meaningful role in pushing the matter forward in collaboration with the Chief Minister and the unity government.

“As long as I am given the mandate to lead this ministry, the Sabah First Agenda and the 40 per cent will be my focus,” he said.