Sabah Only Demands Its 40 Per Cent Rights, Not Anti-Federal: Ewon

26 November 2025

KOTA BELUD: Sabah is merely seeking the rights agreed upon in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63) and enshrined in the Federal Constitution, no more, no less said the President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick.

The incumbent of the N.11 Kadamaian seat stated that it is inaccurate to label Sabah as anti-federation, as Sabah and Sarawak are equal partners in the formation of the Malaysian Federation.

“Without Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia would not have been established in 1963."

“The Federation of Malaysia is only complete when the special rights of Sabah and Sarawak, similar to those enjoyed by other states, are upheld as stipulated in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement and the Federal Constitution. "

“UPKO will continue to champion and defend the 40 per cent entitlement, which was a fundamental condition for Sabah joining the formation of Malaysia,” he said while delivering a speech at the Jelajah Sabah First programme in Kadamaian today.

Ewon added that UPKO remains steadfast in defending the dignity of Sabahans and the state’s rights as agreed under MA63 and the Constitution, particularly the primary provision concerning the 40 per cent federal revenue entitlement.

“That right is the 40 per cent share of federal revenue collected in Sabah, which must be paid promptly to the people of Sabah."

“We only want our rights to be respected,” he said.