Ewon determined to prove himself with new Cabinet role

 

Ewon Benedick said he is optimistic that small and medium-sized industries, especially those led by Bumiputeras, can succeed under his ministry.

KUALA LUMPUR: Incoming Upko president Ewon Benedick says he is determined to prove that Sabahans can lead after successfully winning a Parliament seat for the first time and going on to be appointed as a minister in the unity government.

In his new role as entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister, Ewon acknowledged that he has his work cut out for him. The Penampang MP said he has five years to prove himself as a minister, adding that he is determined to work hard to justify his selection by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“I have a very challenging role, not only to lead this ministry but also to make a contribution to the people of Sabah,” he told FMT.

“I want to work hard in my own way, that is, to use a balanced approach.

“I am confident that I can ‘deliver’ as I realise how heavy this responsibility is. When you come to understand this, you will be motivated to work better and harder,” he said.

Ewon, who has been Kadamaian assemblyman since the 2018 general election (GE14), had previously served in the state government as rural development minister from 2018 to 2020.

Meanwhile, Ewon said he is optimistic that small and medium-sized industries, especially those led by Bumiputeras, can succeed under his ministry – noting that they make up a large part of the workforce.

He said the government will continue to support such businesses, including through loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and grants to Bumiputera entrepreneurs.

“But the entrepreneur has to play his or her role too. The ministry and agencies can only provide support in terms of training, funds, loans and grants.

“However, at the end of the day, it is the entrepreneurs themselves who determine whether the Bumiputera group will succeed or not,” he said. - FMT