Ewon Welcomes PM’s Move to Honour Sabah’s 40% Rights; Interim Payment Raised to RM1.5 Billion

30 May 2026

PENAMPANG: Datuk Ewon Benedick, president of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) and Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III as well as Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, has welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to implement Sabah’s 40 per cent rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, including an increase in the interim payment from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion.

Ewon said the announcement reflected the federal government’s determination to address Sabah’s revenue rights progressively while final negotiations between the Federal Government and the Sabah State Government continue.

“On behalf of UPKO, I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to implement Sabah’s 40 per cent rights and the decision to raise the interim payment to RM1.5 billion,” he said.

He made the remarks after attending the 2026 State-level Kaamatan celebration at Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang, which was officiated by the Prime Minister today.

Ewon said UPKO will continue to support efforts to restore Sabah’s rights in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.

On the Kaamatan festival, he described it as an important platform for strengthening unity among Sabah’s diverse communities.

“Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but also a symbol of gratitude, unity and Sabahan identity that must be preserved and passed on to future generations,” he said.

Ewon was commenting on the Prime Minister’s statement affirming the Federal Government’s commitment to implement Sabah’s 40 per cent rights as provided for under the Federal Constitution and MA63.

In his speech, Anwar said ongoing negotiations are aimed at finalising the implementation mechanism, including legal and financial aspects of the relationship between the Federal and Sabah State Governments.

He added that, pending conclusion of those talks, the Prime Minister had announced an increase in interim payments to Sabah from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion.