Kota Kinabalu: Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the “Sabah First” agenda in the newly-formed Sabah Cabinet.
Ewon, who has been appointed a Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said developing the entrepreneurship sector will be a key focus to support Sabah’s economic growth and benefit local communities.
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“Entrepreneurship is a key driver of Sabah’s economic development, and I will do my best to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to me,” he said after the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet before Head of State Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu, Monday.
The Upko President said the party’s Sabah First agenda will continue to guide the State Government, particularly in negotiations with the Federal Government over Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue claim.
“I will ensure that the Sabah First agenda shapes Cabinet decisions so that negotiations with the Federal Government on the 40 per cent revenue and related issues remain a priority,” he said.
Ewon also expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for the trust placed in Upko to serve in the State Cabinet.
In the recent state election, Ewon retained his Kadamaian seat with 11,977 votes, defeating seven other candidates with a majority of 9,672 votes.
Earlier, Ewon, along with other Cabinet members, including Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Datuk Ariffin Arif, Datuk James Ratib, Datuk Nizam Titingan, Datuk Rubin Balang, Datuk Julita Mojungki, Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, took their oaths.
