UPKO Supreme Council Member Proud of President decision

20 October 2025

PENAMPANG: The President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick, has expressed his readiness to resign from the Federal Cabinet should the Attorney General’s Department (AGC) file an appeal against the High Court decision in Kota Kinabalu on 17 October.

The decision recognised Sabah’s constitutional right regarding the repayment of 40 per cent revenue share as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. He had stated that this was not a political issue, but Sabah’s rights and principles.  He said this during his winding-up speech at the UPKO Penampang Division Convention here, on Sunday.

Rowindy Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Malaysia Organising Committee and Chairwoman of the International Relations Bureau of UPKO Malaysia and UPKO Supreme Council Member expressed her support for the decision made by the UPKO President.

“I stand by him because I believe in his leadership and the principles guiding the party. I consider the decision to be one that will uphold the integrity and convictions of a leader who feels that decisions made in the interest of the State and the people are of utmost importance,” she stated, adding that UPKO had fought hard to reach this stage.

“This is not about politics at all; this is about the people of Sabah. I was one of those who attended when the proposal of for the 40 percent Mechanism was presented in January. It must also be mentioned that in 2023, UPKO had already initiated a discussion with Sabah Law Society (SLS),” she stressed.

She emphasised that the decision by the High Court should be respected, as it addresses a long-standing issue that has been fought over for many years. She stated that this issue has been a source of considerable debate and tension, and it is crucial that the decision be allowed and applied without unnecessary appeals or interference.

She also agreed that the Federal Government and the Sabah Government finalise an agreement within 180 days regarding the implementation of this right, as outlined in the court’s judgement and expressed high respect and commendation to the SLS for successfully obtaining a judgement that recognises the 40 per cent right as a constitutional right of Sabah.