Sabah First Agenda Will Continue to Be Advocated in the Sabah Government: Ewon

1 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick, emphasised his commitment to continue advocating for the Sabah First agenda within the newly formed Sabah Cabinet.

Ewon, who holds the portfolios of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transportation, said that the development of the entrepreneurship sector would be among his main focuses in ensuring Sabah’s economy continues to grow and benefits the people.

“Entrepreneurship is a vital driver of economic development in Sabah. I will do my utmost to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted to me,” he said.

He stated this when speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony of the new Sabah Cabinet Ministers in front of the Head of State of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, at Seri Kinabalu Palace today.

Ewon reaffirmed that, as UPKO President, the Sabah First agenda will remain a priority for the party within the government, particularly concerning negotiations with the Federal Government regarding Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.

“As UPKO President, I will continue to carry the Sabah First agenda into the Sabah Cabinet so that negotiations with the Federal Government on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue claim and other matters are prioritised by the government formed today,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to Sabah’s Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, for his confidence in UPKO to jointly lead the state Cabinet.

In the recent election, Ewon successfully retained his State Assembly seat of Kadamaian with 11,977 votes, defeating seven other candidates with a majority of 9,672 votes.

Since 2018, he has continued to earn the unwavering trust of the Kadamaian people due to his excellent track record and his fight for the needs of the rakyat.

He also conveyed his gratitude to the Kadamaian community for their ongoing support and remains committed to fulfilling the trust placed in him to the best of his ability.

Earlier, Ewon took the oath as a new member of the Cabinet in front of the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, along with the other ministers.

Also sworn in were Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Datuk Ariffin Arif, Datuk James Ratib, Datuk Nizam Titingan, Datuk Rubin Balang, Datuk Julita Mojungki, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, and Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.