By MOHD IZHAM BIN HASHIM
KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) President Datuk Ewon Benedick remains firm on his stance regarding Sabah’s 40 per cent share of federal revenue derived from the state.
“The decision to allow the stay of execution has undermined the initial ruling of the High Court,” he told reporters yesterday after officiating the Sabah State Railway Department’s (JKNS) 2025 Excellent Service Awards and Appreciation ceremony.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation, revealed that his previous decision to resign from his federal post was a direct response to the Federal Government’s move to appeal the High Court ruling that favoured the state.
The Federal Government filed two appeals; the first challenged the High Court’s judgment, while the second sought to stay the execution of the decision, which was subsequently granted by the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya.
He reiterated that the public should evaluate the Federal Government’s actions, especially the dual appeals and continued delay in implementing the 40 per cent revenue return. Ewon reaffirmed that UPKO’s position remains unchanged and the party has consistently voiced its stance across all platforms, including the Federal Cabinet, Parliament, the State Legislative Assembly, and the Sabah State Cabinet.
“For myself and UPKO, our position remains unshaken. This issue has persisted for nearly 40 years; let the people of Sabah judge for themselves when the time comes,” Ewon said.
Furthermore, the minister warned that voters will have the final say in determining the country’s leadership if the matter remains unresolved and payments are not made before the dissolution of Parliament.
Elaborating on the technical issues of the claim, Ewon clarified that the “lost years” compensation is a separate issue from future payment structures. He argued that the Federal Government should be capable of designing a mechanism to ensure 40 per cent of Sabah’s revenue remains within the state for 2027 and beyond.
“This matter is not difficult to finalise. Constitutional requirements must be distinguished from current government policies,” Ewon explained, noting Sabahans understand their constitutional rights, which differ from annual development allocations.
In closing, Ewon confirmed that UPKO intends to remain aligned with the people of Sabah and will continue to advocate for state rights under the current state administration.
‘The decision to allow the stay of execution has undermined the initial ruling of the High Court’ – Ewon
