Kota Kinabalu: Sabah and Sarawak have an important role to play in determining the Federal Government, including who becomes Prime Minister, said Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said the position of Sabah and Sarawak should be viewed in a broader context, as the existence of the Federation of Malaysia could not be separated from the two regions.
“I see it in a broader context. The Federation, or the country of Malaysia, would not exist without Sabah and Sarawak.
“That is why Sabah and Sarawak must be part of the Federal Government, and must be part of the governance of this country. We can be kingmakers in determining whether this Federation should continue,” he said.
Ewon, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III, said this in a press conference after delivering his policy speech at the 17th Upko Triennial Delegates Conference at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, KDCA, here, Monday.
He said the role of the two 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 underestimate the role of Sabah and Sarawak in determining who becomes Prime Minister and who forms the Federal Government,” he said.
Ewon also said Upko is making early preparations for the upcoming General Election, including strengthening the party’s structure and encouraging members who intend to contest to step up their grassroots efforts.
On seat allocation, he said Upko would negotiate with parties within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) when the time comes.
“Upko will convey its views and position that, at the very least, the party’s two existing parliamentary seats, namely Tuaran and Penampang, should be given to the party to contest.
“As for the rest, I prefer to negotiate through the internal process within GRS,” he said.
Ewon said so far, there had been no formal negotiations on seat allocations and that the matter would be discussed at an appropriate time with the Sabah Chief Minister and GRS partners.
