Do Not Belittle Rival Candidates, What Matters Is Choosing Local Parties First: Ewon

15 November 2025

KOTA BELUD: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), President Datuk Ewon Benedick, has reminded all party candidates and supporters not to belittle or disparage rival candidates throughout the campaign period for the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN).

Ewon, who is defending the Kadamaian State Legislative Assembly seat, stressed that the key focus of this election is to ensure that the people choose local parties, those that genuinely understand the aspirations, struggles, and rights of Sabahans.

He said the presence of many local parties in the election reflects a positive development, demonstrating the determination of Sabahans to lead their own state.

“In this election we compete, but that is a good thing. It shows that all the local parties want to lead. Imagine if the Sabah government were made up entirely of local parties, every decision concerning Sabah’s rights would no longer need to be delayed or negotiated,” he said.

He made the remarks while delivering his “Sabah First Referendum,: Pason Ku Montok Kadamaian” speech at the People’s Convention held at Kadamaian Square today.

Ewon also reminded Sabahans to evaluate contesting parties wisely based on their principles and struggles, rather than rhetoric or personal attacks between candidates.

“This is the time for us to secure our 40 per cent rights. Choose local parties, and in Kadamaian, choose me to continue leading Kadamaian and to lead Sabah together,” he said.

Ewon emphasised that this state election is not merely about electing assemblypersons, but a referendum on whether Sabah wishes to return to being governed by local leaders who champion the state’s rights.

“This is the moment. Let us start with Kadamaian, and Kadamaian is ready to lead Sabah in advancing the Sabah First agenda,” he said.

He also extended his best wishes to the seven other candidates contesting in Kadamaian, noting that all of them are local Sabahan candidates with their own contributions.

Ewon faces an eight-cornered contest for the Kadamaian seat in the 17th Sabah State Election.

The incumbent for Kadamaian is being challenged by Norman Simon (Parti Warisan), Judin Tingih (Parti Bangsa Malaysia), Daibi Mandadi (PIS), James Muyau (GRS), Davylandon Rubbin (STAR), Josley Taising (KDM), and Priskila Akwila Sinem (Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri or Anak Negeri).