KOTA KINABALU: The unity government has a big responsibility to fulfill the demands of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Datuk Ewon Benedick.
As such, the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister reiterated his commitment to ensure the issue of Sabah's rights is raised in the Federal Cabinet.
He said this was vital as there would not be harmonious relations between Peninsular Malaysia and the Borneo States without discussions and agreement in the Cabinet.
"This is also important because the relations or harmony between the territories can bring about political stability.
"That is why we welcome the involvement of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the unity government," he said.
Benedick, who is also the incoming president of Sabah-based Upko, which is a Pakatan Harapan component party, said during an interview in a RTM programme recently.
The Penampang MP added that without Sabah, there would be no Malaysia.
"We formed the country through the MA63.
"The unity government has a big responsibility to deliver the MA63 to Sabah and Sarawak people as well as our people in the peninsula," he said.
Benedick said that his focus would not be limited to matters pertaining to entrepreneurship development and cooperatives nationwide but that he would continue to fight for the rights of Sabah.
"For instance, in the Federal Constitution, 40% of the tax revenue collected by the Government in Sabah must be returned to the state.
"These are among my responsibilities as one of two ministers appointed from Sabah in the Federal Government," he said.
