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TAWAU: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic) is acting too early in signalling plans to resign from the Cabinet, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the government has not decided whether to appeal the High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, and added that the matter is still under internal review.
“The judgment only came three days ago. We can see there are strengths and weaknesses, including what I mentioned earlier,” said the Prime Minister.
“So read it first, listen to the call of the nation, then we make a decision. I think it is too early for him to decide,” he added.
Anwar said that he can understand how Ewon feels pressured by the situation that has been raised
He spoke to reporters during Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s Digital Tour programme at Taman Semarak, Tawau, on Monday (Nov 10).
He said Ewon conveyed his intention verbally but has not submitted a formal letter.
“He did convey the information, but the official letter is not there yet, even though he texted me. He knows we have not finalised anything,” said Anwar.
“We said that in the usual process, any High Court judgment, especially when there are weaknesses, normally requires an appeal. But in this case, because the mandamus is negotiations, maybe there is some room,” he added.
Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan chairman, said the government will decide this week after reviewing the full written judgment and receiving advice from the Attorney General.
“We will finalise it this week after listening to the Attorney General and the Cabinet,” he said.
Anwar said he supports avoiding an appeal but faces pressure from all sides.
“My personal view leans towards avoiding an appeal. I have already explained that, but it depends on the decision,” said Anwar.
“Sometimes we face pressure, 40%, 40%, we panic. As leaders, we cannot panic. We need to listen to and know the concerns of Sabahans, but we must also know the Constitution,” he added.
He cautioned against letting political pressure be driven by anger.
“Campaigns must be based on facts. If campaigns are based on anger, then we get trapped,” he added.
Earlier, in his speech launching the Digital Tour programme, Anwar referred to Ewon’s move.
“Oh, they say a minister has immediately resigned. It is alright, if he wants to resign, I respect his decision,” said Anwar.
“He is also a friend, be patient,” he added.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman and Upko president, announced on Friday night his intention to resign.
He said he could not agree with the Attorney General’s position as reflected in the High Court’s written judgment and added that he would submit his resignation letter to the Prime Minister soon.
Ewon maintained that the 40 percent entitlement should be implemented through negotiations rather than an appeal.
