13 MA63 issues have been resolved: Ewon
Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025
By: R Gonzales Text Size: Ewon examining a handcrafted knife showcased at the event venue. KOTA BELUD: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick said the party's struggle and aspirations of the people must be translated into government policies and initiatives that benefit the people. Officiating the Upko Kaamatan Festival at Dewan Terbuka Kadamaian Square, here, Saturday, he said the real struggle is not about slogans and rhetoric but implementation of high-impact programmes that benefit the people.
Advertisement 'Upko will continue to voice opinions and contribute to the building of the Malaysian Federation and a better future for Sabah. 'We begin this obligation through ministry leadership by introducing the 'Look East Within the Nation' policy. 'This policy was created to address the unique needs and challenges in Sabah and Sarawak, which differ from those in peninsula and to find the best solutions so that the people of Borneo do not feel marginalised,' said the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives. Ewon said he has also ensured agencies under his Ministry provide comprehensive services and implement various initiatives tailored to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak.
Advertisement These include the Skim Usahawan Tamu, Premis Tamu Desa and the Skim Pembiayaan Industri Kraf. He said his struggle began with the mandate given by the people of Kadamaian and Penampang, as well as the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister to lead the Ministry. 'We start with responsibility, fighting, discussing, negotiating and taking action based on consistent principles of struggle. 'Certainly, there is still much to fight for in the context of entrepreneurial and cooperative development in Sabah and Sarawak. 'However, with a comprehensive approach and cooperation between the federal and state governments, we can build a better Malaysia and Sabah,' he said. 'Among our struggles is fulfilling the purpose of Malaysia's establishment 62 years ago, when Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya agreed to sign the Malaysia Agreement, leading to the formation of a new nation called Malaysia. 'Of the many issues we have fought for, 13 matters related to the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement have been fully resolved and finalised. This is a fact,' he said. He added that of the 13 resolved matters, nine were settled by the current government, involving both the Sabah state government and the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'As Upko President, I am proud that the party is part of the Federal Cabinet and has helped finalise nine issues that have been fought for over 62 years. 'Certainly, this is an achievement and success that we should celebrate together a harvest of struggle that we honour during the Kaamatan Festival,' he said. He also noted that there are still other demands to be fought for. 'That is why Upko calls for unity and cooperation among all Malaysians, especially the people of Sabah and its leaders, to remain united.' He added that Upko's struggle in the government is not mere rhetoric but is clearly translated through policies, programs and the government's annual budget. 'Upko wants to collaborate with all parties that can bring progress and a better future for Malaysians, wherever they are. 'This includes our efforts to bring entrepreneurs and cooperatives to the international market so that our local products are not only sold domestically but also gain recognition in the global market,' he said. Commenting on the spirit of unity, Ewon said Upko has no objections to any slogan that fosters unity. What matters, he said, is that Upko wants to see real unity, a struggle that can be translated into government programs and policies. At the event, he said the Kaamatan festival celebration is not only a symbol of gratitude for agricultural harvests but also a platform to celebrate achievements in various fields, including education, careers, public service, corporate sectors, entrepreneurial movements and cooperatives. 'As we uphold cultural heritage, we should embrace the Kaamatan Festival as a symbol of success and the fruits of continuous struggle.' * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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