Kota Kinabalu: DAP Sec-Gen Anthony Loke said Datuk Ewon Benedick’s resignation as Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister over Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement issue was more “playing to the gallery” than a genuine act of bravery.
He said the Federal Cabinet had convened a special meeting on Nov. 11 solely to deliberate the matter, an unusual step reflecting the importance of the issue.
“After thorough debate, the Cabinet reached a consensus not to appeal the court’s ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent rights,” Loke said.
However, he said, the Government agreed to appeal specific grounds in the court judgment that could imply the Federal Government, since 1974, had “misused its powers”.
“If we do not challenge that particular finding, it would mean the current government is admitting, on behalf of past administrations, to misuse of power. That would carry criminal implications.” He stressed that, the appeal is not against Sabah’s 40 per cent right, but only the problematic legal grounds.
Loke criticised Ewon for repeatedly alleging that the Cabinet ignored Sabah’s views when, in reality, he failed to attend the very meeting called to resolve this issue.
“Ewon keeps harping on this issue, trying to project himself as a hero. But the truth is he was not present at the special meeting,” Loke said.
“The Attorney General appeared before the Cabinet to explain the matter. Ewon knew about the meeting, yet he did not show up.”Loke also pointed out that although Ewon announced his resignation publicly on 8 November, it had not taken effect.
"He has tendered his resignation, but it only becomes effective after December. He is currently on leave. Technically, he is still a Cabinet member, and he knew of the meeting was taking place,” Loke said.
Loke further questioned why Ewon did not use the Cabinet meeting to record his objections or challenge the Attorney General directly.
“If he is so brave, why didn’t he come to Cabinet and confront the AG? Why didn’t he state his arguments formally and have them recorded? In fact, he avoided it.” Loke said while he personally considers Ewon “a nice guy and a friend”, the accusations against the Cabinet were unfair and misleading.
A true act of courage would have been to confront the Cabinet directly before stepping down.
“If you believe the decision is wrong, fight it in Cabinet. Challenge the AG. Challenge the Prime Minister. Then resign.
“Then I will call you a hero. But right now, you’re just playing to the gallery.”