By WU VUIDE
TENOM: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Ewon Benedick said that Sabah’s rights, including the 40 per cent state revenue entitlement, must be pursued collectively by all parties regardless of political affiliation.
He, who is also the Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister said Upko supports all approaches and platforms to elevate the issue.
“This includes through the Cabinet, Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara, the Sabah Legislative Assembly, as well as public movements such as workshops, forums and awareness gatherings.
“I want to stress that Sabah’s rights belong to all the people of this state, not a select few. Therefore, all leaders and the people of Sabah must unite in pursuing it,” he said after officiating the Upko Kaamatan Festival organised by Upko Tenom at the Tenom town field.
Ewon said Upko has remained consistent in defending Sabah’s interests since its establishment, based on 17 objectives and goals in the party constitution.
“One of those objectives is to demand the implementation of Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and agreed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“In this regard, we extend our appreciation to the Sabah Government leadership under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the Federal Government for efforts to restore Sabah’s rights through the implementation of 13 matters so far,” he said.
He added that a Bill is expected to be tabled in the Sabah Legislative Assembly this year relating to environmental management and solid waste.
In the context of the 40 per cent revenue claim, he said efforts had already begun earlier.
“In January 2023, I raised that this claim should begin, at least through clear revenue collection such as that by the Inland Revenue Board and the Customs Department.
“This proposal was among Upko’s recommendations that I submitted to the prime minister and the chief minister at that time,” he said.
He added that the Sabah Legislative Assembly has now been informed that the matter is the official stance of the Sabah Government and was also stated in the MA63 technical committee meeting in Parliament last March.
“Although there are still disputed matters, including the Federal Government’s reluctance to share petroleum revenue data due to certain legal reasons, we do not agree and will continue to pursue it through government-to-government channels,” he said.
On the Kaamatan Festival, he said such programmes are Upko’s tradition in fostering unity.
“Not only Kaamatan, but other celebrations such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Christmas are also organised as part of contributions to social harmony.
“I am pleased to see the strong turnout of Sabahans, especially from Keningau and surrounding areas, coming together to celebrate,” he said.
He hopes such celebrations will continue to be strengthened to reinforce cooperation among the people for the development of Sabah.
Ewon (fifth, left), and others launching the event.
