UPKO Putatan Backs Ewon’s Stand on 40% Entitlement Issue

21 October 2025

PUTATAN: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Putatan Division has declared its firm support for party president Datuk Ewon Benedick’s stance, following his statement that he would relinquish his position in the Federal Cabinet should the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) proceed with an appeal against the High Court’s decision on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.

Acting Division Head James Sitawin said the decision aligns with resolutions passed during the recent UPKO conventions in Penampang and Papar.

“We in UPKO Putatan have convened a division committee meeting and unanimously agreed to support Datuk Ewon’s call,” he said in a statement today.

James described any appeal by the AGC as an act that undermines the significance of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

“If the AGC appeals against the High Court’s decision, we view it as another attempt to diminish the importance of MA63 to Sabahans and Sarawakians,” he said.

He called on all Sabahans to stand behind Ewon, whom he described as a steadfast advocate for the return of Sabah’s rights under MA63.

“Our UPKO Putatan Division urges all Sabahans to rally behind Datuk Ewon Benedick, who has consistently voiced out for the restoration of our rights under MA63. We must unite and use our votes to elect leaders who truly champion the welfare and future of the Sabah people,” he said.

James further emphasised the importance of unity, urging all Sabahans to stand together in reclaiming the state’s long-denied rights.

“This is the time for us to rally and speak with one united voice. We need the whole of Sabah to stand together in our pursuit of the rights guaranteed under MA63, and to make Sabah great again,” he added.