Ewon Ready to Resign for Sabah’s Rights

By Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ DG Henry
PENAMPANG (Sabah), 19 October 2025 – Malaysia’s political landscape reached a critical juncture today as President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick, declared his readiness to resign from the Federal Cabinet if the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) proceeds with an appeal against the Kota Kinabalu High Court judgment affirming Sabah’s constitutional right to receive 40 percent of federal net revenue, as provided under the Federal Constitution.

This firm stance was delivered during his winding-up speech at the UPKO Penampang Division Convention, following the unanimous adoption of a party resolution mandating him to uphold Sabah’s constitutional rights, even at the expense of his ministerial position.

According to Ewon, the High Court’s decision on 17 October is not merely a legal victory, but a reaffirmation of the foundational terms under which Sabah joined the Federation of Malaysia.

“This is not about politics or personal position. It is a matter of principle and dignity. If AGC proceeds with an appeal within the next 30 days, I will resign from the Cabinet to defend Sabah’s constitutional rights recognised by the Court,” he asserted.

Ewon, who also serves as Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, reiterated that the 40 percent entitlement is neither a new demand nor a political bargaining tool, but a constitutional obligation rooted in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

The Convention also paid tribute to the Sabah Law Society (SLS) for its pivotal role in securing the landmark judgment, while urging both the Federal and Sabah State Governments to finalise implementation mechanisms within 180 days, in accordance with the Court’s ruling.

Ewon confirmed that the resolution will be formally presented at the upcoming Federal Cabinet meeting.

“The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and Cabinet members have been informally briefed through internal communication channels. Next week, I will ensure UPKO’s position is officially recorded in the Cabinet proceedings,” he said.

He further emphasised that the Kota Kinabalu High Court has clearly affirmed the 40 percent revenue entitlement as a constitutional right, beyond political discretion.

“Any attempt to appeal the judgment would not only undermine Sabah’s status within the Federation but would also raise serious questions about national political integrity. I cannot support any action that contradicts this judicial affirmation,” he stressed.

Ewon concluded with a decisive declaration:

“I am prepared to relinquish my Cabinet position in order to uphold the Federal Constitution, defend the founding spirit of Malaysia, and ensure that Sabah’s rights are never again subject to political negotiation. This is a struggle for the dignity of our state.”