UPKO lauded for proactive steps on 40% revenue payment framework

11 January 2024

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: Young leaders in the state are supporting the positive efforts made by UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick on the proposed framework for the payment mechanism of the 40 per cent revenue paid to Sabah.

The general consensus is that UPKO and Ewon have proven to be part of the solution by taking proactive steps to come up with the framework, which required countless hours of diligence and consideration before being finalised and presented to the Chief Minister earlier this week.

UPKO Putatan division secretary Mark Silak said a lot of hard work has been put into the proposed framework and that praise should be given to UPKO and to Ewon specifically, for taking initiative.

“It took a lot of effort and many hours of deliberation and compiling of data for UPKO to eventually put together a proper framework and I think some people fail to realise this.

“I consider this very good progress and a move in the right direction for Sabah that UPKO has taken the initiative to come up with a framework for the state and federal governments to consider moving forward with,” he said in a statement here, today.

In line with the federal government’s decision to set a one-year period (from July 2023) to finalise the payment mechanism, Mark said it is even commendable that UPKO is able to deliver its own proposed framework well within this period.

“This ensures that there would be no delays in the implementation of the payment of the 40 percent of federal revenue to Sabah,” he said.

Towards this end, Mark said there is no need for others to question UPKO’s motives on as it is clearly being done for the betterment of Sabah and the people.

When responding to Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri president Datuk Henrynus Amin’s statement, which called into question UPKO’s motives on the 40% state entitlement under the Malaysia Agreement, Mark said it was a matter of perspective.

“He (Henrynus) should see things from different angles so that he can see the whole picture. It would be better if he plays a role and be part of the solution for the greater benefit of Sabah than playing the blame game,” Mark said.

Meanwhile, Parti Keadilan Rakyat Putatan Branch vice head Victor Ong said there was no harm for UPKO to take the initiative to come up with the framework and propose it to the Chief Minister.

He sees it from a positive perspective and disagrees with anyone who would take a stance against UPKO and Ewon on this matter.

“It is their own initiative, and I think it is a very good one. They gathered some Sabah leaders in a roundtable discussion and took the proper channel by presenting it to the CM instead of directly going to the federal government. I do not see any reason why anyone would be suspicious of that,” he said.

Victor went on to say that any good effort from Sabah leaders for the benefit of Sabahans should be supported and not condemned just because of differences in political views.

KDCA Youth Council chairman Steve Johnny Mositun also had praises for UPKO and Ewon. He has no problems acknowledging the good work of any leader irrespective of their political affiliations or views.

“I think what UPKO has done here is something very good and positive. It negates the possibilities of delays in terms of implementation, which is probably more than what we can say of others who have only been watching from the sidelines.

“I also see nothing wrong with recognising each other’s good work, especially if it serves the cause of a common struggle that benefits everyone in the state.

“It also sets a better example to our youth when leaders are more willing to come together, acknowledge each other’s good work and do less of the harping and barking that ultimately only prevents us from really uniting,” he said.

Towards this end, Steve looked towards Sarawak and how they have proven to be a more formidable force with their federal counterparts compared to Sabah, attributing that success to the ability and willingness of their leaders to be more united.

For the record, deliberations of the roundtable discussions were participated by professionals and experts in their own fields, including accountants, lawyers, former judges, valuers, bankers, and retirees.