Kota Kinabalu: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick announced his resignation from the Federal Cabinet, citing what he described as the Attorney General’s Chambers’ (AGC) disregard for Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of federal revenue derived from the state.
In an official statement on social media, Ewon said he made the decision after reviewing the written judgment by Kota Kinabalu High Court Judge Datuk Celestina Stuel Galid on the judicial review filed by the Sabah Law Society (SLS) over the Federal Government’s failure to pay the sum owed to Sabah.
“The position and views expressed by the AGC disregarded the historical foundation of Malaysia’s formation — including the terms and conditions under which Sabah agreed to form the Federation of Malaysia.
“I cannot agree with the position and interpretation taken by the AGC, who serves as the legal adviser to the prime minister and the federal government.
“It would therefore be highly improper for me to continue serving in the Federal Cabinet given the AGC’s position, which I believe will remain unchanged,” he said.
Ewon said he had been part of a group of Pakatan Harapan (PH) elected representatives who filed an originating summons against the Federal and Sabah Governments in June 2022 over the 40 per cent issue, which was later withdrawn in September 2023 after PH formed the federal government.
However, Ewon — who is now Sabah PH chairman — said he had long been at odds with the federal government’s approach to Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement throughout his three years serving in the Cabinet as entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister.
He said he had been clear from the start that he would not support any decision contradicting the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s ruling on October 17 and was prepared to resign if that happened.
“I believe the AGC will advise the prime minister and the Federal Cabinet, but based on the stance it took in court — as reflected in the written judgment — I do not expect any new advice to emerge.
“For that reason, I stand firm on my principles, as stated in the Upko Constitution — to continue fighting for the implementation of MA63 and Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“I maintain my position that the AGC should not file an appeal but instead begin negotiations with the Sabah government to implement the 40 per cent entitlement. As Upko President, I want to see Sabah’s rights implemented — that principle is the very reason I joined politics,” he added.
He thanked the prime minister for the opportunity to serve in the Cabinet, saying it had provided him with “a platform to champion Sabah’s rights.”
