Ewon Benedick Calls for Unified Effort in Advancing Sabah’s Rights
TENOM, May 4 — Efforts to advance the rights of Sabah, including the claim for a 40 percent revenue share, should be pursued collectively across political lines, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Ewon Benedick.
He stressed that the issue should not be viewed as belonging to any single political party, but rather as a shared responsibility of all Sabahans.
“This is a collective struggle that requires unity among leaders and the people of Sabah,” he said after officiating the UPKO Kaamatan celebration in Tenom.
Ewon noted that multiple platforms can be utilised to advance the issue, including discussions at the Cabinet level, Parliament, the State Legislative Assembly, as well as public engagement through forums, workshops and awareness programmes.
Such a multi-channel approach, he said, could help broaden understanding and strengthen public support for Sabah’s rights.
He added that UPKO has consistently advocated for the implementation of Sabah’s rights as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution.
According to him, progress in this area should continue through structured negotiations and legal frameworks involving both state and federal governments.
Ewon also expressed appreciation for efforts undertaken by the Sabah state government under Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, as well as the federal government, in addressing aspects of Sabah’s rights.
“Some progress has been achieved, and we see this as part of a broader process towards a more comprehensive resolution,” he said.
He further revealed that a bill related to environmental and solid waste management is expected to be tabled in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly in the near future.
On the 40 percent revenue claim, Ewon explained that the issue has been raised previously, including proposals to review revenue sources such as tax collections by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia and Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
He noted that the matter is now part of the Sabah government’s official position and has been discussed at the parliamentary level under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 framework.
While some issues remain unresolved — particularly regarding access to petroleum revenue data — he said negotiations would continue through official government-to-government channels.
Overall, he emphasised that a sustained and coordinated approach is essential to ensuring Sabah’s rights are realised effectively and fairly.
-wilayah.com.my
