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Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
UPKO backs patriotic slogans to foster unity, says Ewon
KOTA KINABALU (May 15): Any political party or Sabahan citizen is free to use any slogan or theme they believe can foster a sense of patriotism among Malaysians, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick. 'I have no objection … call it 'Sabah for Sabahans', 'Sabah First', 'Sabah Our Home', or anything else – as long as the intent is noble and the goal is to foster patriotism and unity among the people of Sabah,' said Ewon, who is also Kadamaian Assemblyman and Penampang Member of Parliament. 'As long as it promotes harmony, cooperation and solidarity within our federation, I consider it a good thing,' he added. Speaking to reporters after witnessing the takeover of Klinik Sahabat signing ceremony between Koperasi Pekerja-Pekerja Kerajaan Sabah Berhad and Sahabat Ikhtiar Hospitality Sdn Bhd at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) today, Ewon stated that from the UPKO's standpoint, the party has no issue with Sabahans or Sabah leaders adopting such themes. Ewon also stated that both UPKO and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Arthur Kurup are part of national coalition, and emphasised that this does not prevent them from representing the voice of Sabah. 'In fact, this can serve as a bridge. I represent a Sabahan party that is part of this national coalition,' he said. For example, in terms of achievements, it was under the current government that nine of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) provisions were realised, said Ewon. 'That shows we complement one another. So, I see no obstacle for Sabah parties to move according to their own aspirations — just as we aspire to see greater unity. I fully understand the sentiment in Sabah — this state sentiment — I understand it deeply. As the president of a Sabah-based party, I fully grasp it,' he said. 'That is why I have made it clear that local aspirations must form the foundation of any negotiation. These negotiations must lead to unity — and that unity must encompass broader cooperation,' he added. Ewon also stressed the importance of exploring larger collaborations. 'We cannot afford to limit ourselves to just our own party in Sabah and avoid exploring larger collaborations. Given today's geopolitical climate and trade wars, we cannot afford to assume that Sabah can fight for everything on its own — I don't think so,' he said. He added that he believed cooperation with all parties would be more effective. 'For me, I see this as a broader form of collaboration, because we are not only focused on developing Sabah, but also on defending its sovereignty,' he reminded. 'Let us not forget — who was successful in defeating the Sulu claim? It was the Madani government. We succeeded in defeating the claim overseas. And who led the special task force? It was Datuk Seri Azalina, whom we appointed to head the task force at the Cabinet level. We succeeded.' 'That is why I say — we cannot afford to believe that only we alone can do it. If cooperation with other parties brings added strength, why not?' he added. Ewon also said that he wants to see the Malaysian Federation remain as it was intended when it was formed 63 years ago. 'Yes, there are shortcomings. That is why we must sit together to fix them and strengthen the Federation with new energy,' he said. He also reminded that there is no use fighting under the same banner for decades if, in the end, there are still areas where roads remain unrepaired, and internet access is still poor. 'All of these, in my view, require cooperation,' he said. 'Even in the constituency I represent, there are many shortcomings. And because I am fully aware of those shortcomings, I want to bring every possible strength to help resolve them. 'And if I can gain strength by building friendships and working with more people, more parties, and more leaders — then why not? He reminded that the people want solutions to their problems — not just loud voices championing their cause. 'Some of us may not always be seen speaking out, but in terms of work and results, there are things worth highlighting,' he said. 'For example, at the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, I've introduced an inward-looking 'Look East' policy tailored specifically to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak,' said Ewon. He said that they have launched initiatives such as the Tamu Desa premises scheme, the Tamu Entrepreneur Scheme, and the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Grant Scheme for Sabah and Sarawak. These were introduced because they meet the actual needs on the ground, he said. 'What matters most is finding effective approaches to address the needs of Sabah and Sarawak. Those needs cannot be met by passion alone — they must be supported by policies, initiatives, and budgets that uphold those policies. It is those very policies that can elevate our spirit. 'At the end of the day, people will ask — our patriotic spirit may be strong, but the roads are still in poor condition. 'I want to invite fellow leaders in Sabah to unite — regardless of which party we belong to. Whether we are only in Sabah, or whether we can form friendships and collaborations with parties across the country — even with partners outside Malaysia,' urged Ewon. 'That, to me, is what matters most. This is why I keep saying that solving the people's problems cannot be done through rhetoric alone. 'For example, I will soon be visiting Kadamaian with cooperatives that are ready to help address the needs of the people through corporate social responsibility programmes. They want to assist villages in need, villages that have submitted requests that I am unable to fulfil with my limited state assembly allocation,' he said. 'However, premier cooperatives — including some from Peninsular Malaysia — have come forward with offers to help. Why should I reject such partnerships from the cooperative movement when they are eager to be part of the solution? So, for me, it is always about solving problems,' he added. As for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, we have proven our commitment, said Ewon. 'Under the Madani government, nine of the MA63 demands have been finalised and fully resolved — four of which were already achieved before I joined the Federal Cabinet.'
Free Malaysia Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Nothing divisive about ‘Sabah for Sabahans', says state PH chief
Sabah PH chief Ewon Benedick said slogans mattered little if the regular issues faced by Sabahans continue to be unresolved after decades. PETALING JAYA : Sabah Pakatan Harapan chief Ewon Benedick has rejected Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's claim that state-centric slogans like 'Sabah for Sabahans' are divisive. Ewon said he saw no issue with such slogans and sentiments used by many Sabahans, adding that he, in fact, found it patriotic, Utusan Borneo reported. 'I don't see any issue with slogans being used like 'Sabah for Sabahans', 'Sabah First', 'Sabah is Our Home' and so on. 'As long as it's aimed at fostering unity among Sabahans as well as cooperation and unity with all Malaysians, we should continue them,' the Upko president was quoted as saying. Ewon believes that local aspirations must be the foundation of any grand coalition in Sabah, but said such an alliance should not be limited to local parties. Nonetheless, he said, slogans mattered little compared with the ability of the ruling administration to resolve issues faced by Sabahans. 'I'm more inclined to focus on how our political alliances can effectively resolve the issues the people face. 'We can chant our slogans as loud as we want, but if the basic issues the people face still can't be resolved after decades, then it remains as a mere slogan,' he said. On Monday, Zahid had criticised the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment as divisive and counterproductive, arguing that maintaining close ties with the federal government was key to the state's prosperity and development. The Umno president drew backlash from Sabah deputy chief minister Jeffrey Kitingan, who said Sabah was never meant to be a subordinate state but an equal partner with Sarawak and Malaya in the federation of Malaysia. Kitingan also appeared to warn of Sabah possibly leaving the federation, saying this would ultimately be up to Sabahans.
Free Malaysia Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
‘Sabah first' policy must be built on federal-state cooperation, say Upko, PBRS
Upko president Ewon Benedick (left) and PBRS president Arthur Joseph Kurup said as members of the unity government, both parties are a 'bridge from Sabah to Putrajaya'. PETALING JAYA : The 'Sabah First' policy, which prioritises the state's interests and needs, must be pursued through effective cooperation and dialogue between the federal and state governments. Upko president Ewon Benedick and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Arthur Joseph Kurup said that while achieving this policy requires the collaboration of all local political parties, confrontation with the federal government is not the right approach, Bernama reported. Both Upko, which is part of Pakatan Harapan, and PBRS, a Barisan Nasional component, have described themselves as a 'bridge from Sabah to Putrajaya', having worked consistently with federal partners to advance key state interests, particularly on matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Upko and PBRS remain committed to fostering unity among the people of Sabah, while also contributing to the broader unity of Malaysia,' they were quoted as saying in a joint statement. Ewon and Arthur said their parties' efforts, through their respective coalitions, have resulted in positive outcomes, whereby nine MA63-related demands have been fulfilled under the current administration, while four others were addressed by the previous federal government. The two leaders also said that Upko and PBRS remain committed to pushing for the remaining MA63 demands and ensuring Sabah's priorities are reflected in the 13th Malaysia Plan. They also stressed that local aspirations must form the foundation for political negotiations in Sabah ahead of the upcoming state election. 'Local aspirations are crucial for political alliances to navigate the state election while maintaining political stability and public harmony – both essential for building a brighter future for Sabah and a stronger Malaysia,' the statement added.
Daily Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Let us be the bridge: Upko and PBRS
Published on: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 14, 2025 Text Size: Ewon (left) and Arthur (right) said their parties continue to advocate for Sabah's interests within the Federal political coalition. Kota Kinabalu: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) on Tuesday affirmed their role as Sabah's bridge to Putrajaya, pointing out their achievements in resolving nine demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 through the Madani Government. In a joint statement, Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick and PBRS President Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said their parties continue to advocate for Sabah's interests within the Federal political coalition. 'The pursuit of 'Sabah First' requires cooperation among all political parties in Sabah, which must be achieved through good relations between the Federal and State Governments via wise negotiations, not confrontation,' they said. The two leaders pointed to their track record of raising various Sabah issues within their respective political coalition platforms, including at the Cabinet level. 'This approach has proven effective with nine demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 now resolved by the Madani Government, while four were addressed by the former administration,' they said. Both parties remain committed to advocating for the remaining MA63 demands, including prioritising Sabah's development needs in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan for 2026-2030. 'We will continue to fight for the remaining MA63 demands including the 'Sabah First' development requirements in the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan through a collaborative approach with other parties in Sabah,' they said. The two leaders also agreed that local aspirations should form the foundation for negotiations toward a larger Sabah political coalition ahead of the state election, without compromising political stability and public harmony. 'Upko and PBRS will continue contributing to the unity of Sabah's people while simultaneously working toward Malaysian solidarity,' they said. PBRS also said recent remarks about the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi have been misunderstood and taken out of context. It said Zahid's comments were not intended to reject the rights or identity of Sabahans but rather to caution against divisive politics that could undermine national unity. 'What he actually meant was not a rejection of the rights or identity of Sabahans, but a reminder for all of us to steer clear of divisive politics that could fracture national unity,' it said. PBRS said Zahid's message aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent speech in Tawau, which stressed the importance of unity and collective growth as one Malaysia. 'The spirit of togetherness and mutual progress was central to his message, and it is one that PBRS fully supports,' it added. The party expressed its belief that Sabah's strength comes from unity and inclusive cooperation rather than isolation. They highlighted the collaboration between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan as a foundation for broader cooperation, inviting all political forces in Sabah to work together for the State's development. 'We urge the public not to fall for narrow narratives that seek to divide. Sabahans' rights and interests will always be defended, but this must be achieved within the framework of a united and progressive Malaysia,' read the statement. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
'Sabah First' Policy Must Be Achieved Through Federal-state Cooperation – UPKO, PBRS
REGION - SABAH > NEWS KOTA KINABALU, May 13 (Bernama) -- The 'Sabah First' policy, which prioritises the interests and needs of Sabah, must be pursued through effective cooperation and dialogue between the federal and state governments. In a joint statement, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasised that while achieving this policy requires the collaboration of all local political parties, confrontation with the federal government is not the right approach. UPKO and PBRS, both members of national coalitions, serve as a 'bridge from Sabah to Putrajaya' and have consistently worked alongside other parties to address critical issues affecting Sabah, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). bootstrap slideshow 'UPKO and PBRS remain committed to fostering unity among the people of Sabah, while also contributing to the broader unity of Malaysia,' read the statement. UPKO is part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, while PBRS is a component of Barisan Nasional. Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, and Arthur, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said their parties' efforts through their respective coalitions have resulted in positive outcomes. Nine of the MA63 demands have been addressed by the current MADANI government, and four others were met by the previous government. The statement also noted that UPKO and PBRS will continue to advocate for the remaining MA63 demands, as well as the development needs under the 'Sabah First' policy in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030). Both parties stressed that local aspirations must form the foundation for political negotiations in Sabah ahead of the upcoming state election. 'Local aspirations are crucial for political alliances to navigate the state election while maintaining political stability and public harmony – both essential for building a brighter future for Sabah and a stronger Malaysia,' the statement added.
