Being proactive in seeking solutions is 40 percent more effective than engaging in futile rhetoric - UPKO Youth Penampang

11 January 2024

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KUALA LUMPUR: Many Sabah leaders were part of the Federal Cabinet in the past, but there were no solutions to resolve the 40 percent federal revenue demand in Sabah, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Youth Chief of Penampang, Billy Joe Dominic said.

Many had voiced their opinions on social media, newspapers, and coffee shops, but none of them came forward with any suggestions for payment mechanisms to the Federal and State Governments, he stressed.

"That is why, as the President of UPKO and a member of the Federal Cabinet, who is also a member of the Malaysian Agreement Action Council (MTPMA63), Datuk Ewon Benedick felt compelled to take the initiative to find payment mechanisms by holding roundtable discussions with Sabah leaders with expertise in this area.

"The repayment of the 40 percent involves technical issues related to taxation, revenue, accounting, and auditing. This is acknowledged by professionals in the accounting and legal fields. I attended roundtable discussions and heard from experts on this matter.

"Therefore, the aim of the roundtable discussion on December 19 was to assist the State Government in presenting the most suitable payment mechanism for the 40 percent federal revenue demand from Sabah, as the responsibility for making the payment lies with the State Government.

"The Federal Government has given us until July of this year to propose the payment mechanism for the 40 percent demand. We cannot simply wait until July or engage in media rhetoric ‘barking’ like Henrynus did. Instead, we need to take the initiative to ensure the success of this demand.

"This is UPKO's own initiative as one of the local parties in Sabah that seeks a resolution to this demand. This is only a suggestion from Ewon and UPKO. If there are others who want to propose different suggestions on this matter, we welcome and present them to the State Government so that they can be discussed in the State Cabinet meeting before being brought up for discussion with the Federal Government," he said in a media statement today.

He was commenting on the statement made by the President of Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri), Datuk Henrynus Amin, which was published in the Daily Express today.

Billy also challenged Henrynus to take his own initiative to find a solution to the issues inherited by the current young leadership of Sabah.

"UPKO Youth and I would like to inquire about Henrynus' achievements beyond mere rhetoric ‘barking’ in the media. Many people can engage in empty rhetoric like Henrynus, but only a few are willing to take the initiative, propose suggestions, and actively pursue solutions, as Ewon has done," he stated.

"Rather than viewing Ewon's proactive initiatives in a negative light, it would be more beneficial for Henrynus to take his own initiative. If resolving this issue were as straightforward as he claims, it would have been addressed during Henrynus' tenure as a Member of Parliament for Kinabalu. However, I am confident that throughout his time in office, he never raised the matter or took any initiative to address it," he added.

“Ewon and the young leadership of Sabah today have inherited long-standing unresolved issues. However, they have shown great initiative and competence in addressing these challenges. I urge all young people of Sabah to rally behind Ewon and the Sabah State Government in their proactive efforts to address this demand.”

"I would like to inform Henrynus that Ewon, as the President of UPKO, is not swayed by his negative opinions. Ewon is fully aware of his actions and intentions. I advise Henrynus to focus on contributing to the resolution of this matter instead of undermining the leaders who are diligently working towards finding a solution," he stated.