Monday, 20 October 2025
On 19 October 2025, Datuk Ewon Benedick — President of UPKO and Federal Minister — publicly declared that he would step down from the Federal Cabinet if the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) proceeds to appeal the landmark Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling recognising Sabah’s constitutional entitlement to 40% of the federal revenue collected from the state. (The Star)
On the surface this appears to be a strong stand for Sabah. But when placed in the broader political context, a different reading emerges: this is a calculated act of vote-maximisation by UPKO, and by extension its Malaya-centric coalition partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH).
🧩 Context That Matters
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UPKO is a component party of Pakatan Harapan, a national coalition whose core power-bases lie in Peninsular Malaysia. (Malay Mail)
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PH Sabah — comprising DAP, PKR, and UPKO — had previously filed legal action against the Federal Government over Sabah’s constitutional revenue entitlement, only to discontinue the suit once they joined the Federal Government. For example: “The 12 elected representatives had filed an originating summons on 3 June 2022 … they later withdrew it when their party formed the federal government in November 2022 and joined the Sabah state government in January 2023.” (Malay Mail)
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The timing of the “deadline” ultimatum — just ahead of the upcoming Sabah General Election — strongly suggests political theatre rather than a sincere commitment to deliver.
🧐 Why the Move Rings Hollow
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It signals urgency but serves delay. The threat to resign if an appeal is filed creates optics of resolve. Yet whether UPKO (once in full power) will push for actual implementation remains highly questionable.
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Once embedded in Sabah’s administration, the incentive to act shifts. Once they hold or join government, priorities often shift from pressing for state rights to managing federal interests and maintaining political alliances.
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The appeal may never happen — but implementation can still be stalled. Even if the AGC doesn’t appeal, UPKO and PH could push for “further studies” or “phased approaches” to delay the payout.
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This weakens Sabah’s bargaining position. By turning a constitutional right into a campaign promise, they give the impression that payment is optional rather than obligatory.
✍️ What Sabahans Must Demand
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Local Political Control: Never hand state power to parties subservient to Malaya. Only genuinely Sabah-based parties can be trusted to defend Sabah’s interests.
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Transparency in Implementation: Demand clear timelines and accountability for delivering the High Court ruling.
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Voter Accountability: Reject candidates who rely on bribery, theatrics, or populist stunts. The culture of “No money, no honey” must end.
✅ Final Word
Benedick’s threat might sound bold, but the context, history, and timing make it clear that this is a political performance — a tactic to sway votes before the election.
If UPKO — and the six former STAR assemblymen who betrayed their party and their constituents — are truly sincere about fighting for the people they represent, then stand and be counted. Stand shoulder to shoulder with SAPP and STAR as part of the voice of resistance against the creeping encroachment of external power. Step down from your ivory towers and stand with the people you claim to serve. Words are cheap — what Sabah needs now is action.
Sabah cannot afford to fall for theatrics and empty promises. Our fight for the 40% entitlement is not a campaign slogan — it is a constitutional right. We must have leaders who act, not posture; parties rooted in Sabah’s cause, not beholden to Malaya; and a citizenry that refuses to be manipulated.
Only then can we ensure that what is owed to Sabah is paid, not promised.
✊ #JusticeForSabah #SabahForSabahan #NotForSale
