KOTA KINABALU: The coming Sabah state election should serve as a referendum for the people to decide whether the state should be led by local parties, says Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president said it was time for Sabahans to reclaim control over their own administration and ensure the state government was formed primarily by homegrown parties.
“This election is about choosing our own chief minister, our own Cabinet and our own representatives.
“We must decide our own destiny,” he said at the party’s Sabah First Konvensyen Rakyat in Kampung Gawir on Thursday night (Nov 13).
Ewon said that Upko, which recently left Pakatan Harapan, has now “come home” to Sabah and would work with other local parties to form the next state government.
“We have decided to return fully to Sabah and to work with other local parties so we can manage the state better and more wisely,” he said.
“No one understands the hearts, hopes and needs of Sabahans better than Sabah-based parties.”
He added that Sabah should no longer be “trapped by spins and distractions” from outside influences, and called for a renewed focus on homegrown leadership.
Upko’s move to quit Pakatan earlier this month was a major realignment in the state’s political landscape.
The party said the decision stemmed from unresolved tussles over Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly the state’s 40% revenue entitlement and the call for greater autonomy.
Ewon also resigned as Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, saying he could not remain in the Federal Cabinet while key state rights issues remained unaddressed.
Recalling his decision during his speech, Ewon said, “I stand by my principles,” drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
With its exit from Pakatan, Ewon said Upko is now positioning itself as a “Sabah first” party championing local control and stronger state representation.
He also urged voters to support local parties in the election, even if such parties were contesting against each other in certain seats.
“We cannot avoid competition among local parties — that is democracy.
“But we must first agree that the Sabah government must be formed by Sabah-based parties. If there is a contest between local and non-local candidates, choose the local one first.”
Later, when met after the event, Ewon said Upko is open to cooperating with any Sabah-based party that shares its values, struggle and objectives.
Asked if the party had begun discussions with other groups, he said no, adding that Upko was still in the process of “settling down” after leaving Pakatan.
Ewon added that Sabahans should not allow their rights to be “dragged on endlessly”, particularly on issues such as the 40% federal revenue entitlement.
“The court has already ruled on this. Do we want our rights to be delayed again?” he said.
He also said Sabah must no longer accept being labelled as a poor or backward state.
“Enough of Sabah being looked down upon as a poor state. We are capable and deserve better,” he said.
He also criticised those who viewed Sabah voters as easily swayed by handouts.
“As long as we continue to see elections that way, we will only slow down our fight for what is rightfully ours,” he said.
