UPKO Sepanggar Welcomes High Court Decision On Sabah’s 40 Percent Entitlement

23 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Sepanggar Division has unanimously welcomed the High Court’s decision restoring Sabah’s constitutional right to receive 40 per cent of federal revenue derived from the state.

The decision is regarded as a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle to reclaim Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

UPKO Sepanggar Division Chief, Datuk Wong Thien Fook, urged the Federal Government to respect and fully implement the court’s ruling.

He added that UPKO Sepanggar members fully support the firm and principled stance of UPKO President, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who has expressed his willingness to relinquish his Cabinet position should the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) proceed with an appeal against the decision.

“Ewon’s position reflects the courage and integrity that Sabah’s leadership ought to embody.

“UPKO Sepanggar stands firmly with the President in defending Sabah’s constitutional rights and the spirit of MA63,” he said in a media statement today.

He further stated that the divisional meeting had unanimously resolved that UPKO should strengthen its identity and presence by contesting under its own logo in the forthcoming Sabah State Legislative Assembly election.

He clarified that the use of UPKO’s own logo would not affect the cooperation and solidarity within the Pakatan Harapan coalition.

“This move aims to enhance UPKO’s visibility at the grassroots level and to reaffirm the party’s distinct voice within the Pakatan Harapan family.

“UPKO Sepanggar believes this approach will reinforce the coalition’s presence in Sabah and more accurately reflect the aspirations of the local people,” he said.