KOTA KINABALU: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick expressed gratitude to Kuskop staff in Sabah for their commitment during his three-year tenure, following his decision to step down from the federal cabinet to uphold Sabah’s rights in line with Upko’s struggle.
He said under his leadership, the Look to East in Country initiative, drove entrepreneurship and cooperative development in Sabah and Sarawak, including appointing East Malaysian representatives to Kuskop agencies, expanding Bank Rakyat’s rural services, and launching key programs such as Projek Tamu Desa, Bumiputera Sabah dan Sarawak Entrepreneurship Grants, and the Kundasang modern hawkers centre.
Ewon also introduced a special scholarship for Sabah students at the Malaysian Cooperative Entrepreneurship University (UKKM) and ensured nearly all 25 Sabah parliamentary constituencies received ministry programs.
He vowed to continue supporting Kuskop initiatives in parliament as a friend of the Ministry and thanked Sabah staff for their teamwork and dedication, calling their "We Make It Happen” spirit deeply inspiring.