In a bold move that has sparked intense debate, Upko president Ewon Benedick has openly challenged DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s dedication to securing Sabah’s rightful 40% revenue share. But here's where it gets controversial: Ewon accuses Loke of merely ‘playing to the gallery’ with his recent Cabinet resignation, rather than genuinely advocating for Sabah’s interests. This accusation raises a critical question: Are political gestures enough, or do they mask a lack of real commitment? Let’s dive deeper.
Ewon, in a pointed statement, highlighted his own consistent advocacy for Sabah’s 40% entitlement, an issue he claims to have repeatedly brought up in Cabinet meetings spanning late 2022, 2023, 2024, and even after the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s landmark ruling on October 17. And this is the part most people miss: Despite these efforts, Ewon directly questioned Loke’s role in pushing for the entitlement’s immediate implementation during these discussions. ‘Did you stand up for Sabah’s 40% share in Cabinet?’ Ewon asked, implying the answer is far from satisfactory.
The tension escalated when Ewon addressed Loke’s suggestion that he should have confronted the attorney-general on the matter. Ewon revealed that he had already taken action during a Cabinet meeting, proposing a parliamentary bill to formalize Sabah’s revenue entitlement. ‘I took a stand,’ Ewon asserted, ‘but what was your stance in that meeting, Minister Loke?’ This direct challenge underscores a growing divide in how leaders approach Sabah’s long-standing grievances.
Ewon’s resignation last week as entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister added fuel to the fire. He cited the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ stance on the High Court’s ruling—which declared the federal government’s failure to honor Sabah’s 40% share for nearly five decades as unlawful—as the tipping point. Loke, however, dismissed Ewon’s resignation as a theatrical attempt to portray himself as a hero, suggesting instead that he should have confronted the prime minister and attorney-general within the Cabinet. ‘Then I’ll call you a hero,’ Loke quipped, downplaying Ewon’s actions.
Here’s the controversial question: Is resigning a symbolic act of protest or a genuine sacrifice for a cause? And more importantly, does Loke’s criticism of Ewon’s approach reveal a deeper reluctance to challenge the status quo? This debate isn’t just about political tactics—it’s about justice for Sabah, which has been denied its fair share for decades. What do you think? Is Ewon’s resignation a heroic stand, or should he have fought from within the system? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
