LABUAN: Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedict’s decision to resign as Federal minister should the government decide to appeal the High court ruling favouring Sabah’s entitlement to the 40 per cent share in revenue should be applauded.
Activist George Elias said the Upko chief’s decision reflected self-sacrifice and a stronger determination than other politicians to have the revenue mater fixed for good.
“But such bold declaration would have been more meaningful if the stand was made before or at the start of the court hearing which was initiated by the Sabah Law Society.
“Talking about quitting now as minister is akin to getting into the act when the war over and it’s safe to say, this makes the move less meaningful.”
Ewon is currently the Federal Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives and the Madani Government has completed its five-year rule.
George also expressed doubts that Ewon’s decision would change the status quo, noting that even recently, when Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ali, a PKR pioneer, resigned following his defeat for the deputy president post in PKR, it had ripple effects.
George added that Ewon’s move surprised some, given that he initially took a strong stance on the revenue issue but later softened his position by advising against confrontation with Pakatan Harapan (PH), saying, “We are not the same family.”
Continuing, George said that after the court ruling, many sought credit for the outcome, but it was crystal clear that such credit should go to Sabah Leader of the State (SLS) and not to politicians.
Since Ewon’s shock announcement, controversy has stirred within PH ranks. PH MP for Pasir Gudang, Hassan Karim, accused Ewon of holding the coalition to “political ransom,” emphasising that the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has the right to appeal.
In response, Upko Secretary-General Datuk Nelson W. Anggang hit back, stating that the matter was not a threat but one of political integrity and democratic principles.
