UPKO Leader Backs Ewon Benedick’s Resignation, Calls 40% Federal Revenue Entitlement Sabah’s Constitutional Right

9 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Supreme Council member Carl Mosoom has voiced strong support for party president Datuk Ewon Benedick’s decision to resign from the Federal Cabinet, describing it as an honourable act grounded in principle and respect for the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Carl said the demand for 40% of the Federal Government’s revenue collected from Sabah is not a political issue but a constitutional right that is clearly enshrined in the Federal Constitution and rooted in the MA63 framework — the very foundation upon which Malaysia was formed.

“The 40% entitlement is part of Sabah’s legitimate rights under MA63. The founding leaders who shaped the agreement did so to ensure unity, fairness, and stability within the Federation,” he said in a statement today.

He noted that the Kota Kinabalu High Court had already ruled that the Federal Government failed to fulfil its obligations regarding the 40% revenue arrangement, meaning that Sabah had not received its fair share for more than four decades.

“Based on this reality, we fully support Datuk Ewon Benedick’s decision to relinquish his ministerial post as a matter of principle and in respect of the High Court’s ruling, which the Federal Government has now chosen to appeal,” Carl added.

He also emphasised that the resignation should not be seen as a loss for the Cabinet but rather as a “morally responsible and dignified act” — a reflection of clean and principled governance ahead of the forthcoming Sabah state election.

At the same time, Carl acknowledged Datuk Ewon’s appreciation for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts in implementing nine of the thirteen outstanding items under MA63 and for his continued success in strengthening the national economy.

“This principled stand allows UPKO to prove that its leadership remains independent of government influence and committed to championing the interests of Sabah and its people,” he said.

Carl, who previously served as Political Secretary to the Minister, said he was proud to have supported Ewon’s leadership and now stands firmly behind his decision to step down from the Federal Cabinet.

He added that UPKO’s struggle is guided by three core principles — Principled Leadership, Continuous Service, and Common-Sense Leadership — values that he said should inspire current and future leaders in Sabah.

“Leadership like this reflects true integrity — free from external influence, driven by duty, and anchored in the spirit of MA63,” he concluded.