Upko president Ewon Benedick said he resigned from the cabinet and pulled his party out of Pakatan Harapan to send a firm message that he will not compromise when it comes to Sabah’s rights, particularly the 40 percent revenue entitlement.
“Previously, many MPs from Sabah voiced their concerns on the matter in Parliament, but perhaps it was insufficient for you (Putrajaya).
“So, that’s why I resigned to affirm my stance on Sabah's 40 percent entitlement,” he said in a video posted on Facebook today.
Ewon (above) said this in response to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke's criticism yesterday, who accused the Upko leader of “playing to the gallery” over the issue.
Loke said the federal government had already started work on the matter and even fixed a special cabinet meeting on Nov 11 to discuss the issue, which decided not to appeal the High Court ruling on Sabah’s entitlement.
“Ewon kept harping on this issue, trying to project himself as a hero. But the truth is, he was not present at this special cabinet meeting.
“He tendered his resignation (on Nov 10), but it only takes effect after December. He is on leave. Technically, he is still a cabinet member, and he knew the meeting was taking place.
“If you believe the decision was wrong, you should fight it in the cabinet. Challenge the attorney-general, challenge the prime minister, then resign. Then I will call you a hero,” Free Malaysia Today reported Loke as saying.
‘I’m no hero’
In a response to the DAP leader, Ewon acknowledged he was no hero. Instead, he credited the Sabah Law Society “as the first hero” for dragging the government to court over the matter.
The former minister also called the unknown youth who confronted the prime minister at Gaya Street over the revenue entitlement the “second hero.”
As for him, Ewon told Loke that he will always uphold Sabahans' rights and work towards getting Putrajaya to pay up the 40 percent entitlement.
“This is to develop Sabah, resolve poverty in the state, help SMEs in Sabah, create employment for youths, and others.
“While I respect our diverse views, this is my limit…this is my red line (40 percent revenue),” Ewon stressed.
Study notice of appeal
On that note, Ewon urged Loke to study the notice of appeal filed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers on Nov 13 and explain to the public why Putrajaya is appealing on the eight points mentioned.
“Not only Loke but the entire federal cabinet must explain this.
“Let Sabahans decide whether they accept your explanation or they want Sabah leaders to uphold the state’s rights as mentioned by the High Court,” he added.
On Oct 17, Kota Kinabalu High Court judge Celestina Stuel Galid ruled that the federal government acted unlawfully and beyond its powers under the Constitution by failing to honour Sabah’s 40 percent share of federal revenue for nearly five decades.
Following this, she declared the special grant review orders jointly issued by the federal and state governments were “unlawful, ultra vires (beyond the powers), and irrational”.
The court also issued a mandamus order directing Putrajaya to conduct a new revenue review with the Sabah government under Article 112D of the Constitution and to agree on the state’s 40 percent entitlement for each financial year from 1974 to 2021, with the review to commence within 90 days and conclude within 180 days.
On Nov 9, an unknown youth confronted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the matter at Gaya Street, where the latter appeared to dismiss any distinction between federal allocations to Sabah and the 40 percent share of federal revenue collected from the state, which is supposed to be paid as a special grant.
Sabahans back Ewon’s decision
Upko honorary president Wilfred Madius Tangau reminded Loke that Sabahans have lauded Ewon’s move to quit the cabinet.
“His announcement came in a statement to the media and not in front of a cheering crowd,” the Tuaran MP said in a statement today.
Wilfred also pointed to the federal government’s decision to appeal to parts of the court verdict, indicating Putrajaya is going back on its word.
“Anwar has claimed that the federal government is not appealing the ruling, but federal officials said the attorney-general would, however, appeal portions of it.
“So, in essence, the federal government is, in fact, going back on its word. How do you say that you are not appealing against the ruling but only portions of it?
“It is either you appeal or you’re not. The federal AG can’t have it both ways,” he said. - Mkini
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