Ewon embodies the Sabah First vision in the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport

3 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister III, who is also Sabah’s Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the implementation of the Sabah First vision within the ministry he leads.

He said that to realise this vision, several key agendas would be given major emphasis, including developing an investor-friendly and entrepreneur-friendly investment and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sabah, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“This must become the backbone of Sabah’s economic activity. That is Sabah First!"

“We will also develop the quality of MSME products and services so that they meet domestic and international market standards and are able to compete with entrepreneurs outside Sabah."

“In addition, we will enhance the quality of services provided by the ministry and its agencies, driven by the spirit of consistently delivering the best, with efficient governance, we must facilitate, not frustrate, especially for Sabah’s MSME community. That, too, is Sabah First,” he said.

He said this during his first official day at the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport on Wednesday.

In the morning, Ewon attended the first meeting of the Sabah State Cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, following the formation of the Sabah Unity Government.

Ewon, who is also President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), said that UPKO’s Sabah First political struggle seeks to secure Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution, particularly concerning the return of 40 per cent of Sabah’s revenue, which remains the core of the party’s struggle through the Sabah Government.

“Through this ministry, I have set the Sabah First vision of developing more Sabahans with income, whether as entrepreneurs or as employees working for entrepreneurs."

“Starting tomorrow, I will visit the ministry’s agencies to receive briefings and share my vision and the key focus of my leadership,” he said.

According to him, he is ready to lead the ministry and wants it to become a true Sabah First team that genuinely serves the people of Sabah.

Ewon also stated that he will allocate at least one day a week to meet stakeholders and go to the ground to engage with the MSME community and other interested parties.

“I will also set aside at least one day a week to fulfil my mandate as the Kadamaian State Assemblyman and the Member of Parliament for Penampang,” he said.

Commenting on the formation of the Sabah Unity Government, Ewon said that although he had hoped to see a state government formed by local parties, he respects the wisdom of the Chief Minister in making that decision.

“This does not in any way diminish the Sabah First agenda that UPKO and I continue to champion,” he said.