Kota Kinabalu: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick said Malaysia’s national reform agenda must fully incorporate Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including restoring the State’s parliamentary representation to at least one-third and resolving the long-standing 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
He said Upko would continue to push for a comprehensive settlement of Sabah’s 40 per cent claim, adding that while negotiations over past “lost years” may take time, implementation for future years should be finalised without further delay.
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“This is a core reform agenda that will influence many of Sabah’s development needs,” he said when officiating the opening of Upko’s 17th Triennial Delegates Conference at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Ewon, also Deputy Chief Minister III and State Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said national reforms must also address illegal immigration more effectively and ensure constitutional guarantees for indigenous communities, including the Momogun and Orang Asli.
He stressed that any reform must be grounded in the spirit and original terms under which Sabah and Sarawak agreed to form the Federation, while respecting both states’ legal and executive systems.
On institutional reforms, Ewon said Upko supports constitutional amendments to limit the terms of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, targeted government subsidies, political financing laws, separation of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor roles, review of outdated laws and digitalisation of government service delivery.
Touching on the formation of the Sabah Unity Government, Ewon said Upko remained consistent with its principle of supporting the coalition with the highest number of seats when no party secures a simple majority, referring to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
He said Upko supports the idea of a broad coalition of local Sabah parties, although some local parties had rejected the proposal, even as their supporters continued to criticise Upko.
“The government has been formed and is working. On January 30, the Chief Minister will launch Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0, which will certainly include Sabah First agendas,” he said.
At the Ministry level, Ewon said the Sabah First policy introduced at the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (Mindet) focuses on increasing the number of Sabahans earning incomes as business owners or employees of local enterprises.
He outlined three priorities: improving the investment, industrial and entrepreneurship ecosystem; raising the quality and standards of local products and services; and strengthening governance and service delivery efficiency within the Ministry.
He also said resolving congestion and operational issues at Sepanggar Port remains Mindet’s top priority, with interim measures expected soon, while long-term solutions involving port expansion will take more time.
“We are in government to serve the people. When the term ends, we return to the people for them to judge whether we have fulfilled our responsibilities fairly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ewon announced he is ready to defend his position as Upko President in the party’s 2026 elections.
He said party elections will be held at all levels this year, with Upko’s congress scheduled for Aug 8 and 9, in accordance with the party constitution.
“Members have full freedom to ensure a transparent and efficient democratic process. I hope this election will unite us, not divide us. We must choose leaders based on merit and capability, and who are accepted by the people,” he said.
Ewon acknowledged that Upko under his leadership is not perfect and still has weaknesses, particularly in grassroots machinery.
“The Sabah state election showed the need to strengthen our party machinery at all levels, especially at constituency level. We cannot win elections through desire alone without strong grassroots structures,” he said.
He urged all divisions intending to contest the next election to use this year’s triennial conference to strengthen branches and constituency leadership committees, and said amendments to the party constitution should be considered if necessary to reinforce state-level leadership institutions.
Ewon also said Upko would strengthen the role of its elected representatives in party decision-making, including giving greater responsibilities to the party advisory council and election directors.
“Our elected representatives are the face of the party and must be at the forefront of leadership and service. They must also remain free from controversy,” he said.
He added that the party will continue to expand its grassroots strength through the “One Division, One Association, One Cooperative, One Success Story” initiative, and by organising more retreats, forums and conventions centred on the Sabah First agenda.
