Cooperation between GRS-PH must be proven through the appointment of Ketua Adat in districts - UPKO

16 October 2023

By Nabalu News Journalist

PAPAR: The cooperation between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) must be translated into power-sharing through the appointment of grassroots leaders, said President of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick.

Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said power-sharing should start with the appointment of 'Ketua Adat' or customary chiefs in all districts of Sabah.

"As the Assemblyman of Kadamaian, I am proud to have implemented a power-sharing formula of 60:40 in Kadamaian, where 60 percent of the appointments are from my party and coalition, and the remaining appointments are from the coalition supporting the state government, which is GRS.

"I hope the power-sharing formula implemented in Kadamaian can be emulated by other Assemblymen in different areas because without the support of PH Assemblymen, the current government in Sabah would not be able to be maintained.

"If the Assemblyman of UPKO Kadamaian can implement power-sharing, there should be no reason why Assemblymen in other areas cannot share with parties supporting the state government," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after officiating the UPKO Zone D Convention at Kg.Biau Hall, here.

Ewon, who is also Penampang Member of Parliament , said that the issue of power-sharing raised by representatives at the convention reflects the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in the political landscape of Sabah.

"Power-sharing is not just about distributing positions, but it is a manifestation of unity and cooperation among different parties for the betterment of the state and its people. By appointing Customary chiefs in districts, we are acknowledging the significance of local leadership and their role in decision-making processes," Ewon added.

He emphasised that the success of the GRS-PH cooperation relies on tangible actions and genuine partnerships, rather than mere rhetoric. The appointment of Customary chiefs, who are representatives of the local communities, serves as a concrete demonstration of this collaboration.

Ewon urged other Assemblymen to follow the example set in Kadamaian and work towards establishing similar power-sharing arrangements in their respective areas. He believed that by fostering unity and inclusiveness, the government of Sabah can effectively address the needs and aspirations of its diverse population.