Ewon Benedick Emerges as Sabah’s Defining Voice as UPKO Pensiangan Demands Immediate Implementation of 40% Entitlement
By Rosanna Edeza
PENSIANGAN (Sabah, Malaysia), 25 Oct 2025 — The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) division in Pensiangan has declared full support for party president Datuk Ewon Benedick, describing him as one of the few national leaders demonstrating unwavering courage in defending Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of net federal revenue collected from the state.
In an official statement, UPKO Pensiangan Information Chief Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ Henry said Ewon’s stance represents principled and accountable leadership at a critical juncture in Malaysia’s federal-state relations.
“Datuk Ewon is not merely speaking up; he is leading concrete legal and political action to defend Sabah’s constitutional rights. His leadership reflects political integrity and institutional courage,” Khairy said.
Khairy underscored that the 40 per cent revenue entitlement is not a political bargaining chip, but a legally enshrined provision guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Any delay in implementing the High Court ruling, he said, would be perceived as a denial of Sabah’s foundational rights as an equal partner in the Federation.
“This is not about political expediency. It is a matter of fiscal justice and the dignity of Sabah as a founding nation in the Malaysian Federation,” he added.
In one of the strongest statements issued by a Sabah political division in recent years, Khairy called on all federal ministers and deputy ministers from Sabah to resign immediately should the Federal Government proceed with an appeal against the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s decision affirming Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement.
“Resignation is not an act of rebellion but a moral obligation. The people of Sabah must know which leaders are truly committed to the state’s rights and which are beholden to central political interests,” Khairy said.
Political observers view Sabah’s 40 per cent claim as a potential turning point in Malaysia’s federation model. The outcome of this legal and political dispute could reshape the relationship between East Malaysia and the Federal Government, with wider implications for autonomy, revenue distribution and national cohesion.
Khairy warned that refusal by the Federal Government to honour the court’s ruling could invite broader constitutional scrutiny, both domestically and at the international level.
UPKO Pensiangan reaffirmed its full support for Ewon Benedick, expressing confidence in his ability to elevate Sabah’s rights to the national and international stage.
“UPKO Pensiangan will continue to stand firmly behind Datuk Ewon. We are committed to strengthening Sabah’s voice and ensuring that the 40 per cent fiscal right is implemented in accordance with the Constitution,” said Khairy.
