Power sharing crucial in political cooperation

25 October 2023

By AVV

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Ewon Benedick, the President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organization (UPKO), has emphasized the importance of implementing political cooperation and power-sharing.

He said this can be implemented without waiting for the State Election.

As the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives and the Member of Parliament for Penampang, Ewon highlighted that power-sharing can be achieved, as demonstrated in Kadamaian.

Speaking after the Presentation of Incentives to Outstanding SPM and STPM Students for the year 2022 held in SM St Michael Penampang, Ewon stated that he did not only speak for UPKO, but for the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. He acknowledged that the government formation was made possible with the support of the seven PH representatives.

Ewon further mentioned that adat chiefs, including district chiefs, anak negeri chiefs, deputy anak negeri chiefs, and village chiefs, have been informed of their termination. He emphasised the need to discuss the appointment of successors for these vacant positions, without waiting for the elections.

Referring to his successful implementation of power-sharing with grassroots leaders in Kadamaian, Ewon questioned why similar efforts cannot be made in other areas. He revealed that the Chief Minister, Datuk Hajiji Haji Noor, will be meeting with all PH parliamentarians in Kuala Lumpur, and the issue of power-sharing is expected to be on the agenda.

“We have to be realistic and as such there should be a formula where all parties supporting the state government have a place, considering the upcoming vacancies in chief positions at the end of the year.”

He highlighted that the desired form of political cooperation was discussed during the formation of the coalition government, emphasising that it is a joint GRS and PH government that should be implemented at all levels, from the cabinet to the grassroots.

Ewon concluded by stating that this is the stance of UPKO and believes it is also the stance of PH Sabah, as without their cooperation, the current government would not exist.

UPKO's statement has been received positively by many, as it highlights the importance of efficient and equitable governance. The Chief Minister's meeting with PH parliamentarians is expected to draw more attention to this issue.