By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick has stressed that members of the Federal Cabinet must come forward and explain the eight points contained in the Notice of Appeal against the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
Ewon, who is also the Upko candidate for the N.11 Kadamaian seat, said the people of Sabah must be allowed to assess the grounds for the appeal before deciding in this 17th Sabah General Election.
“The special Cabinet meeting that you (the Federal Cabinet) convened agreed to respect Sabah’s 40 per cent right, and I am grateful for that.
“But in the same meeting, you also decided to appeal part of the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s grounds of judgment dated 17 October. This is the notice of appeal that you filed at the Court of Appeal on 13 November.
“In that notice, there are eight points you intend to challenge following the ruling. The duty of YB Brother Anthony (Loke) now is to explain these eight points. Explain this appeal to the people of Sabah,” he said.
He added that it is not only the DAP Secretary-General who must explain the appeal, but the entire Federal Cabinet — including the Prime Minister and all ministers — who must openly clarify the reasons for the appeal.
“The people of Sabah have the right to know whether they accept your explanation or whether they expect Sabah leaders to remain firm in implementing the rights affirmed by the Kota Kinabalu High Court on 17 October,” he said.
Ewon was responding to Anthony’s earlier statement accusing him of engaging in “political theatrics,” playing up the 40 per cent sentiment and not attending the special Cabinet meeting.
He stressed that the 40 per cent issue is not new, as it has been raised several times in the Federal Cabinet since late 2022, and again in 2023, 2024, and after this year’s court ruling.
“For the past three years, I have consistently stated that the 40 per cent entitlement is not the same as development allocation under the Federal List. The response has been the same as what was said on Gaya Street.
“But throughout those three years, what was the voice of YB Brother Anthony? Did he ever take a firm stand to defend Sabah’s 40 per cent right?” he asked.
Ewon said his stance on Sabah has always been clear, including his insistence that any Bill with major implications for the state must obtain the consent of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
He said his decision to resign and withdraw Upko from Pakatan Harapan was a firm message to the Federal Government about the importance of respecting Sabah’s rights.
“I do not wish to be a hero. The true heroes are the Sabah Law Society, and the youth on Gaya Street who asked the Prime Minister: ‘When will the 40 per cent be paid?’” he said.
As Upko President, he reiterated that his struggle is to ensure immediate payment of the 40 per cent entitlement for Sabah’s development, to eradicate poverty, expand economic opportunities, and create jobs for Sabah’s youth.
“I respect differences in opinion, but there must be boundaries. This is my red line,” he said.
Ewon also prayed for Anthony and his Cabinet colleagues to be granted good health and strength to lead the country and fulfil their responsibility of returning Sabah’s rightful revenue to its people.
