Ewon confirms that he is quitting cabinet

UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick confirmed that he would be quitting his cabinet position as Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister.

The decision stems from the fact that UPKO’s struggles is based on the implementation of Malaysia Agreement 1963, particularly Sabah deserves to obtain 40% of the revenue obtained from the state.

The Kota Kinabalu High Court recently also ruled as such.

Ewon explained his stance via Facebook late last night. He is confident that the Attorney General’s Chambers would be appealing against the High Court ruling.

“I maintain my stance that the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) should not file an appeal, but instead begin negotiations with the Sabah Government to implement the 40 percent revenue entitlement.

“I have stated that I cannot support any decision that contradicts the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s ruling on October 17, and I am prepared to resign from the Federal Cabinet.

“I believe the AGC will advise the Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet. However, based on the views and position presented by the AGC in court, as reflected in the written judgment, I do not expect any new advice to emerge.

“For that reason, I stand by my principles, as enshrined in UPKO’s Constitution, to continue fighting for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s rights under the Federal Constitution.

“Accordingly, I will send a letter to the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to inform him of my resignation as a member of the Federal Cabinet.

“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Cabinet, which has allowed me to advocate for the principles related to Sabah’s rights.

“I will convene a Special Meeting of the UPKO Supreme Council next Monday to discuss the Sabah First agenda, which forms the foundation of UPKO’s direction.

Yesterday Transport Minister Anthony Loke dismissed the notion that Ewon would be quitting.

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