Ewon reiterates his firm stance on 40 percent Revenue Claim

8 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) President Datuk Ewon Benedick reiterated that his stance on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement remains unchanged.

Ewon who is also Deputy Chief Minister III and Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport said his earlier decision to resign from the Federal Cabinet was made in protest against the government’s move to appeal the High Court ruling in Sabah’s favour.

He explained that the first appeal challenged the High Court’s judgment, while the second sought a stay of execution of the decision, which was subsequently granted by the Court of Appeal.

“The decision to allow the stay has undermined the original High Court ruling,” he told reporters after attending the Sabah State Railway Department’s Excellent Service Awards 2025 and Appreciation Ceremony here yesterday.

Previously, Chief Minister had stated that the State Government disagreed with the appeal but respected the judicial process.

At the same time, Ewon said the Chief Minister also wanted negotiations between the State and Federal governments to continue until a final resolution is reached.

“As far as UPKO and I are concerned, our position remains the same. This issue has dragged on for nearly 40 years, and the people of Sabah will ultimately judge,” he said.

He added that the Court of Appeal’s decision to grant the stay, along with the Federal Government’s two appeals, should be carefully assessed by the public, particularly if the 40 per cent entitlement remains unpaid.

Ewon stressed that UPKO has consistently voiced its position across various platforms, including Federal Cabinet meetings, Parliament, the State Legislative Assembly and the Sabah Cabinet.

“We have fulfilled our responsibility and will continue to uphold this position consistently,” he said.

He further remarked that if the matter remains unresolved and no payment is made after the dissolution of Parliament, the people have the right to determine the nation’s leadership.

“If the 40 per cent has still not been paid when the time comes, it will be for the people to decide,” he asserted.

Ewon also clarified that claims for “lost years” are separate from future payments.

He said that for upcoming periods such as 2027 onwards, the Federal Government should be able to devise mechanisms to ensure Sabah retains its 40 per cent revenue share.

“This is not difficult to resolve. Constitutional matters should be separated from current government policy,” he said.

Ewon added that Sabahans understand their constitutional rights, which must be distinguished from annual development allocations that fall under current policy.

In this regard, he said UPKO has decided to continue standing with the people of Sabah and to fight for the state’s rights under the existing State Government leadership.

“We will continue this struggle together with the people of Sabah to claim what is rightfully ours,” he said.