Upko president and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Ewon Benedick has declared his readiness to step down from the federal Cabinet if the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) appeals a landmark High Court ruling affirming Sabah’s right to 40% of net federal revenue derived from the state.
Speaking at the Penampang Upko convention, Ewon reiterated his stance against an appeal, stating he would formally raise the issue at the upcoming Cabinet meeting to ensure it is recorded in the proceedings, according to the Borneo Post.
The convention, chaired by Penampang Upko chief Donald Peter Mojuntin, passed a resolution urging Ewon to resign from his Cabinet post should the AGC proceed with an appeal. The resolution also endorsed the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s decision, which ruled on Friday that the federal government had unlawfully withheld Sabah’s constitutional revenue share for nearly five decades.
Additionally, the convention called on Putrajaya to comply with the court’s directive and finalise an agreement within 180 days to disburse the funds.
“As a Sabah representative in the federal government, we urge Ewon to consider resigning from the Cabinet should the AGC proceed with an appeal,” said Donald. He emphasised Upko’s commitment to standing with Sabahans in defending their rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution, core tenets of the party’s mission.
A Firm Stand for Sabah’s Rights
Ewon, addressing the convention, accepted full responsibility for the resolution urging his resignation. He revealed that he had already informed the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and fellow Cabinet members of his position that the AGC should refrain from appealing the ruling.
“I will ensure this view is formally conveyed at next week’s Cabinet meeting,” he affirmed, underscoring his dedication to Sabah’s interests.
The High Court’s decision has been hailed as a historic victory for Sabah, addressing long-standing grievances over the state’s fiscal entitlements. The AGC, in a statement issued yesterday, said it is reviewing the written judgment before deciding on further action. It noted that the dispute centres on the interpretation of Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution, which govern special grants and revenue assignments to Sabah and Sarawak, as well as their periodic reviews.
