KOTA KINABALU: Newly appointed Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick has assured the public on Upko's commitment to advancing the Sabah First agenda within the newly formed Sabah state government.
Ewon, who will be in charge of the state's Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry, said strengthening the entrepreneurship sector would be among his key priorities to ensure Sabah’s economy continued to grow and benefit the people.
“Entrepreneurship is a key driver of Sabah’s economic development. I will do my very best to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to me,” he told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony for Sabah’s new Cabinet before the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Monday (Dec 1).
Ewon said the Sabah First agenda would remain central to the party’s role in government, particularly in negotiations with the Federal Government regarding Sabah’s claim to 40 per cent of its revenue entitlement.
“As Upko president, I will continue to carry the Sabah First agenda in the state Cabinet, ensuring that negotiations with the Federal Government on the 40% revenue entitlement and other related matters remain a priority for the new state administration,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for the confidence shown in Upko’s role within the Cabinet line-up.
In the recent state election, Ewon successfully retained the Kadamaian state seat with 11,977 votes, defeating seven opponents with a majority of 9,672, keeping the seat for a third term.
