Political stability in Sabah necessary to maintain development momentum, MA63 implementation - Ewon

6 January 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA BELUD: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick stated that political leadership stability in Sabah is essential to maintain the development momentum and the implementation of the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He said any attempt to overthrow Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor can slow down the momentum that is being built with the Federal Government.

“With the cooperation of many parties, Hajiji has ensured that the revenue of Sabah is more than RM6 billion last year. This is important so that the rakyat can enjoy economic prosperity and infrastructure development that needs to be strengthened and multiplied with the governance reform approach.

“At the same time, with the establishment of the Unity Government in the Federation, the agenda to implement MA63 is among the Government’s priorities based on the frequency of Cabinet discussions.

“This includes the recognition of the Public Works Department and the Sabah Government to implement direct procurement to projects worth RM50 million and below.

“I have also raised about the special grant formula approach based on federal revenue collection in Sabah. My colleague Datuk Armizan as the Minister of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and I will hold a meeting with the lawyers of Sabah Law Society and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the near future to further discuss about this formula.

“Yesterday, I have also discussed this matter with Hajiji. I am of the view that this momentum needs to be maintained and should not be undermined by any attempt to overthrow him as Chief Minister,” he said.

Ewon who is also UPKO President-Elect said this after a walkabout programme during the Taginambur Weekly Tamu at Kadamaian Square here today.

The Kadamaian Assemblyman also mentioned that the PH representatives have made a consensus decision to not support any attempt to overthrow the Chief Minister who was sworn in after the general election process.

“Before this, PH assemblymen have stated their support for Hajiji to remain as the Chief Minister until the end of the term. We stand by this because any effort to overthrow him is a a ‘backdoor’ negotiation that should not be done.

“The state general election will be held in three years. Political parties can then partake and negotiate about the establishment of government. Now is not the time,” he asserted.