Ewon to assist DPM in handling Sabah affairs
Published on: Saturday, February 17, 2024
By: Ricardo Unto
Ewon said he accepted the new responsibility with a high commitment to implement the long overdue demands stipulated in MA63 with the help of all quarters, including the Sabah Government and the people.
Tuaran: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has been appointed to assist Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in handling Sabah affairs.
“After the Federal Cabinet reshuffle, it was decided that I would be in charge of Sabah and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)-related matters, while Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang will be my counterpart for Sarawak,” he said at the Upko Leadership Unity event, here, Friday.
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Ewon, who is also Upko President, said he received his appointment letter from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week.
Armizan was previously the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties before helming the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Ewon said he accepted the new responsibility with a high commitment to implement the long overdue demands stipulated in MA63 with the help of all quarters, including the Sabah Government and the people.
“I plan to hold engagement sessions with the State Government and other stakeholders, including political parties, professional bodies and other organisations who wish to see the MA63 fulfilled by the government of the day.
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“I know that there are still many more challenges to be faced, even though many matters have been resolved, and this requires holding engagement sessions with the stakeholders, which I am looking forward to.”
Ewon said he would be supported in his new task as he would consult with his party, considering its stance on championing the rights of Sabahans.
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Meanwhile, Ewon disclosed that the Ministry is preparing a programme to solve the poverty problem in Sabah.
“This would be a long-term programme to bring the poor from the poverty database.
“It will also guide those not listed in the database to remain unlisted through entrepreneurship, cooperative and educational initiatives.
“The programme’s concept paper will be presented in the Ministry next week before I bring it to the Federal Cabinet meeting.”
He said the programme will focus on three areas in northern Sabah – Kudat, Kota Belud and Kota Marudu - due to their high poverty incidences.
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