Kota Kinabalu: Upko Honorary President Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said Sabah’s fight for its constitutional rights is not “playing to the gallery” but a principled stand that deserves respect.
Madius said this in a statement, dismissing DAP Sec-Gen Anthony Loke’s criticism of Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick’s Cabinet resignation.
The Tuaran Member of Parliament said Ewon was simply keeping his word to resign if the Federal Attorney-General appealed against the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue claim.
Madius pointed out that while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed the Federal Government was not appealing the ruling, Federal officials indicated the Attorney-General would appeal portions of it.
“How do you say that you are not appealing against the ruling but only portions of it? It is either you appeal or you don’t. The Federal A-G cannot have it both ways,” he said.
He added that Sabahans lauded Ewon’s decision, noting his announcement came through a media statement rather than before a cheering crowd.
Madius accused Anwar of playing a delaying game by announcing talks with the State over the 40 per cent revenue claim, despite the Prime Minister’s 2023 pledge at Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching.
“In the Prime Minister’s own words, ‘Some other matters that have been guaranteed are not open for negotiation but for implementation’,” he said, quoting Anwar’s statement.
Madius pointed out that the procedure for payment to Sabah and Sarawak has been outlined since 1963, with Sabah’s right to receive 40 per cent of net Federal revenue stated under Article 112C and Section 2(1) of Part IV, Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
