SANDAKAN: Parti Warisan slammed Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick over his willingness to resign if the Attorney-General files an appeal in relation to Sabah’s 40 per cent (pc) revenue entitlement, calling it a sign of inconsistency and betrayal of Sabah’s long-standing struggle.
Warisan Supreme Council Member Calvin Chong said Ewon’s statement raised serious questions about his sincerity and commitment, noting that in 2022 the Penampang MP publicly declared he would not withdraw the 40pc lawsuit even if Pakatan Harapan (PH) came into power.
“Yet he became one of the 12 individuals who withdrew the suit, a move that is deeply disappointing and contradicts the very promises he once made to the people,” he said.
He said the withdrawal proved that the so-called fight for Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was merely political rhetoric aimed at gaining popularity.
Other elected representatives who withdrew the suit included Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, Chan Foong Hin, Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Senator Noorita Sual, Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung, Datuk Christina Liew, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Datuk Jannie Lasimbang, Datuk Peto Galim, Tan Lee Fatt and Awang Hussaini Sahari.
Calvin said the decision reflected how political interests and positions had taken precedence over principles once upheld in the fight for Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“In politics, strategies can change but when principles and promises to the people are sacrificed, that is no longer strategy. It is betrayal of the trust given by the people of Sabah,” he said.
“Their actions show they prioritise political survival and personal stability over justice, integrity and clean governance,” Calvin said.
He criticised the PH Government itself for failing to fulfil its promises to the people of Sabah regarding the 40pc entitlement.
“After coming to power, they failed to deliver on that commitment. They also allowed the legal action initiated by Sabah representatives to be withdrawn,” he said.
“The people of Sabah are not easily deceived and remember who truly fought for the state’s rights and who only invoked Sabah’s cause when it was politically convenient,” he said.
Calvin urged Ewon to publicly explain his change of stance and his decision to withdraw the lawsuit.
