Federal Cabinet Members Must Clarify 8 Points in the Notice of Appeal on the 40% Ruling: Ewon

17 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) President Datuk Ewon Benedick, emphasised that members of the Federal Cabinet must come forward to clarify the eight points contained in the Notice of Appeal regarding the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s decision related to Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue rights.

Ewon, who is also the UPKO candidate for the N.11 Kadamaian seat, said the people of Sabah must evaluate for themselves the grounds of the appeal before making their choice in this State Election.

“The special Cabinet meeting that you (the Federal Cabinet) convened decided to respect Sabah’s 40 per cent rights, and I thank you."

“But in the same meeting you also decided to appeal part of the grounds of judgment of the Kota Kinabalu High Court on 17 October. It is the Notice of Appeal that you filed at the Court of Appeal on 13 November recently."

“In that notice there are eight points that you want to challenge following the court’s decision. Anthony's (Anthony Loke) task now is to explain all eight of these points. Explain this appeal of yours to the people of Sabah,” he said.

According to him, it is not only the DAP Secretary-General who must explain the grounds of appeal, but also the entire Federal Cabinet, including the Prime Minister and ministers, who must openly clarify the reasons for the appeal.

“The people of Sabah have the right to know whether they accept your explanation or want Sabah leaders to stand firm in implementing the rights that were decided by the Kota Kinabalu High Court on 17 October,” he stressed.

Ewon also responded to Anthony’s earlier remark accusing him of playing “political theatre”, stoking the 40 per cent sentiment, and failing to attend the special Cabinet meeting.

He stressed that the 40 per cent issue is not something newly discussed, but has been brought to the Cabinet several times since late 2022, 2023, 2024 and after this year’s court decision.

“For these three years I have been consistent in stating that the 40 per cent right is not the same as development allocations under the Federal List. The answer remains the same as the one given at Gaya Street."

“But for these three years, what was Anthony's voice? Has he ever stated a firm stance in defending Sabah’s 40 per cent rights?” he questioned .

Ewon said his stance on Sabah has always been clear, including insisting that any bill with major implications for the state must obtain the consent of the Yang Dipertua Negeri.

He said his decision to resign and to bring UPKO out of Pakatan Harapan was a firm message to the Federal Government on the importance of respecting Sabah’s rights.

“I do not want to be a hero. The real heroes are the Sabah Law Society, and also the youth at Gaya Street who asked the Prime Minister, ‘When will you pay the 40%?’,” he said.

As UPKO President, he said his struggle is to ensure the immediate payment of the 40 per cent rights for Sabah’s development, addressing poverty, creating economic opportunities, and providing jobs for the youth of Sabah.

“I respect that we have differing positions, but there must be boundaries. This is my red line,” he said.

Ewon also prayed that Anthony and his fellow Cabinet members be granted health and strength to lead the country and fulfil the responsibility of returning Sabah’s revenues to the people of Sabah.