Tenom: The 40 per cent state revenue entitlement remains a key focus in ongoing efforts to pursue Sabah’s rights, Datuk Ewon Benedick said.
The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President said the matter requires collective action across all political parties.
He said Upko supports various approaches and platforms to advance the claim.
These include avenues through the Cabinet, Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara and the State Legislative Assembly.
He added that public engagements such as workshops, forums and awareness programmes also play a role.
He said Sabah’s rights belong to all people in the state and should be pursued collectively and that unity among leaders and the public is necessary in advancing the matter.
He was officiating the Upko Kaamatan Festival organised by Upko Tenom at the Tenom Town Field.
Ewon said Upko has consistently championed Sabah’s interests since its establishment.
He said this is based on 17 objectives outlined in the party’s constitution.
He said one objective is to seek implementation of Sabah’s rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He acknowledged efforts by the Sabah Government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor and the Federal Government.
He said 13 matters related to Sabah’s rights have been implemented to date.
A Bill on environmental and solid waste management is expected to be tabled in the State Legislative Assembly this year.
On the 40 per cent claim, he said the proposal includes revenue sources such as collections by the Inland Revenue Board and the Customs Department.
He said the matter has been conveyed as the official position of the Sabah Government and raised at the MA63 Technical Committee meeting in Parliament last March.
The issue remains under discussion, including matters related to data sharing.
He said efforts to pursue the claim will continue through government-to-government channels.
