Upko reminds GRS to share power

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Ewon Benedick has urged Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to uphold the principle of power-sharing.

Speaking at the Upko convention Zone D in Papar, Sabah yesterday, Ewon (above) said party delegates have been raising concerns over the lack of power-sharing at the grassroots level.

This, he said, has caused dissatisfaction in areas not held by Pakatan Harapan.

"This should not happen because without Harapan’s support during the previous political crisis (in Sabah), those sitting in the state cabinet will not be there and the government of the day will not be established.

"So, if our support at the state level can be translated to the point they can remain there, then the same approach must be proven at the grassroots level.

"This is my stand and we will convey it to the state government through a special meeting with Chief Minister Hajiji Noor,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.

Ewon is the sole Upko assemblyperson in Sabah and is one of seven representing the Harapan coalition, which decided to back Hajiji as chief minister in January after Sabah BN withdrew support.

Hajiji then incorporated a DAP and PKR assemblyperson each into his cabinet.

Formula

As the Kadamaian assemblyperson, Ewon said he has ensured that 60 percent of grassroots apportionments went to GRS members.

“I hope this formula in Kadamaian can be emulated by other assemblypersons because, without the support of Harapan assemblypersons, there is no way for today’s government to remain.

“If I can implement the formula, there is no reason why other assemblypersons can’t share (the appointments) with parties that are in support of the state government,” he stressed.

Maintain Sabah Harapan's autonomy - Upko

Sabah Harapan: No discussion, decision on Musa Aman taking over

Form cabinet committee to discuss race, religious issues - MP

MP SPEAKS | Unite to fight global crises, not other Malaysians