By WU VUIDE
PENAMPANG: Sabah and Sarawak have an important role in determining the formation of the Federal Government, including who becomes Prime Minister, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said their position should be viewed in a broader context as the Federation of Malaysia could not exist without the two regions.
“I see it in a broader context. The Federation or Malaysia as a country would not exist without Sabah and Sarawak.
“That is why Sabah and Sarawak should be part of the Federal Government, part of the governance of this country, and can be kingmakers in deciding whether we want to continue this Federation,” he said.
He said this at the 17th Upko Triennial Delegates Conference at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA, here yesterday.
Ewon said the role of the two regions should not be underestimated.
“The real strength of Sabah and Sarawak lies in determining whether the Federation of Malaysia should continue or not.
“Therefore, do not underestimate the role of Sabah and Sarawak in determining who becomes Prime Minister and who forms the Federal Government,” he said.
On a related development, Ewon said Upko had begun preparations for the next general election, including strengthening its party structure and encouraging members who intend to contest to step up their ground work.
He said Upko would negotiate with parties in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) on seat allocations when the time came.
“Upko will convey its views and position. At least the two existing parliamentary seats held by Upko, namely Tuaran and Penampang, should be given room for the party to contest.
“As for the rest, I prefer to negotiate through the internal process within GRS,” he said.
Ewon said there had been no formal negotiations on seat allocations and the matter would be discussed at an appropriate time with the Sabah Chief Minister and GRS partners.
Ewon (centre) and Upko senior leaders.
