Ewon Benedick resigns as minister, citing principle over AGC appeal on Sabah’s 40% federal revenue entitlement
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Ewon Benedick has resigned as Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) Minister, ending days of speculation over his position in the federal Cabinet.
The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president made the announcement on his Facebook page last night, saying his decision was based on his principle and firm stance that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) should not have appealed the High Court ruling on Sabah’s right to 40 per cent of federal revenue, as guaranteed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Ewon said he would formally submit his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I wish to thank the prime minister for the opportunity to serve in the federal cabinet which has allowed me to champion principles related to Sabah’s rights,” he said.
He added that UPKO’s Supreme Council would convene a special meeting on Monday to discuss the party’s “Sabah First” agenda, which will continue to shape its political direction.
Ewon reiterated that his stand remains unchanged — that instead of filing an appeal, the AGC should have initiated talks with the Sabah government to implement the 40% revenue entitlement.
He said he could not, in good conscience, support any decision that contradicted the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s ruling on Oct 17 and was therefore ready to step down from the Cabinet.
“Based on the AGC’s stance as reflected in the court’s written judgment, I don’t foresee any change in their position.
“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 and Sabah’s constitutional rights,” he said.
Ewon said it would be “awkward” for him to remain in the Cabinet since the AGC serves as the legal adviser to the prime minister and the federal government and its position is likely to reflect the government’s own.
“The approach taken towards the 40% Sabah entitlement during my three years in the Cabinet has been completely at odds with my stance as UPKO president,” he said.
He recalled that in June 2022, he had filed an originating summons against both the federal and Sabah governments on the same issue, which he later withdrew in Sept 2023.
Ewon said UPKO’s founding objective as stated in its constitution, is to uphold and implement MA63 and defend Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“UPKO’s struggle is guided by the constitutional foundation documents — the Cobbold Commission Report, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Malaysia Act,” he said.
“Respecting the history of Malaysia’s formation, as documented in these constitutional foundations, must form the basis for the federation’s direction and future.
“This includes honouring, recognising, and implementing Sabah’s 40% entitlement as provided under Article 112C and Subsection 2(1), Part IV, Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.”
Ewon said he had reviewed the written judgment by High Court judge Celestina Stuel Galid in the judicial review filed by the Sabah Law Society.
He said the AGC’s arguments, as stated in the judgment, had “ignored the historical context and the agreed conditions” under which Sabah joined Malaysia as clearly outlined in the nation’s founding documents.
