Kadamaian Development Plan 2020–2035 on track, manifesto: Ewon

24 November 2025

KOTA BELUD: The candidate for the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) for N.11 Kadamaian, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has emphasised that the Kadamaian Development Master Plan (2020–2035), which is currently being implemented, will continue to serve as his manifesto in Kadamaian.

The UPKO President said the plan was formulated after he was elected as the State Assemblyman for Kadamaian in 2018, taking into account the comprehensive needs of the 74 villages in the area.

“All candidates in Kadamaian have their own manifestos. I am the only one without a new manifesto because mine is the Kadamaian Development Master Plan, which has been, is being, and will continue to be implemented."

“Part of this plan has been completed, some is ongoing, and some will be carried out. I will continue what I started in 2018,” he said.

He said this while delivering a speech in the Kadamaian area here the day before yesterday.

He added that the difference lies in whether voters choose a representative capable of being the “pilot” or “navigator” within the Sabah state government.

“As the party president, we must be the ones steering Sabah’s overall development,” he said.

Commenting on the implementation of development projects, Ewon said various initiatives have been undertaken, covering infrastructure construction, public facilities, educational support, religious assistance and community support.

“Among the main infrastructure projects is the construction of the Kadamaian River Concrete Bridge in Kg. Kaung Ulu, valued at RM13.7 million, which began in August 2024 and is expected to be completed in January 2026."

“In addition, there are upgrades to the 12.4-kilometre Tengkurus–Lahanas Road worth RM61.4 million, the 16.8-kilometre Sayap–Mansulit Road worth RM129 million, the Podos–Taginambur Road worth RM31 million, and the upgrade of the Panataran Bridge in Kg. Melangkap costing RM9 million,” he said.

During his tenure at the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Ewon introduced the Domestic Look East Policy, and among the ministry’s new initiatives for Sabah was the upgrading or construction of traditional tamu facilities or stalls.

“In the Kadamaian area alone, 22 Tamu Desa premises were newly built or upgraded to stimulate local economic growth,” he said.

In terms of small-scale development, many projects have been implemented across the 74 villages, including community hall maintenance, culvert and gabion upgrades, drain construction, and the maintenance of village and agricultural roads, as well as the construction of gravity-fed water systems and the maintenance of stall buildings.

In addition, he said social and educational assistance programmes were also provided through Sentuhan Kasih, involving birth assistance, bereavement aid and support for chronic patients, as well as contributions to kindergartens, primary and secondary schools.

Religious contributions were also channelled to churches and suraus, while clubs, associations and religious bodies received allocations for community activities such as gotong-royong, festive celebrations and sports events.

Ewon stressed that all these initiatives demonstrate his commitment to continuing to be part of the solution to the problems faced by the people of Kadamaian.

“The Kadamaian Development Master Plan 2020–2035 provides a clear direction, has already begun to be implemented, and will continue. I will ensure this continuity is maintained for the well-being of the people of Kadamaian,” he said.