KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and Sarawak will continue to play a determining role in the formation of the Federal Government, including who becomes the Prime Minister, says Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The Upko president said that the position of Sabah and Sarawak must be viewed in a broader context, as the existence of the Federation of Malaysia cannot be separated from these two regions.
“I see it in a bigger context. The Federation or the nation of Malaysia would not exist without Sabah and Sarawak.
“That is why Sabah and Sarawak must be part of the Federal Government, must be part of the governance of this country, and can be the kingmaker in deciding the government,” he said in reference to possibility of the two Borneo states losing its kingmaker role in the formation of federal government.
Speaking to reporters after delivering his keynote address at the 17th Upko triennial delegates conference at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang near here Monday (Aug 10), Ewon said the role of both regions should not be underestimated.
“The real strength of Sabah and Sarawak lies in determining whether the Federation of Malaysia should continue or not. Therefore, do not belittle the role of Sabah and Sarawak in deciding who becomes Prime Minister and who forms the Federal Government,” he said.
