KOTA KINABALU: Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic) said parties in Sabah must unite to pursue the state’s rights, including the 40% revenue entitlement.
Ewon, who is Deputy Chief Minister III and the state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said that Upko backed efforts through the Cabinet, Parliament, the state legislative assembly, and public forums.
“I want to emphasise that Sabah’s rights belong to all the people of this state, not just a select few. Therefore, all leaders and the people of Sabah must unite in fighting for them,” he told reporters after officiating the Upko Kaamatan Festival at the Tenom town on Sunday (May 3).
He said the Sabah state and federal governments had implemented 13 Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)-related matters so far.
He said a Bill on environmental management and solid waste was expected to be introduced in the state legislative assembly this year.
He said Upko had also asked the Prime Minister and Chief Minister to identify revenue sources tied to the 40% claim.
“Although there are still disputed matters, including the federal government’s refusal to share petroleum revenue data on certain legal grounds, we disagree and will continue to pursue this through government-to-government channels,” he said.
