Upko defends Ewon's stance on 40pct ruling, rebukes MP's 'ransom' remark

The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (Upko) has criticised Hassan Abdul Karim over his remarks on the principle of cabinet collective responsibility, saying the PKR lawmaker overlooked the realities of Sabah’s long struggle for its constitutional rights.

Upko secretary-general Nelson W Angang said the Pasir Gudang MP questioning the propriety of a minister expressing disagreement with the government over Sabah’s 40 percent revenue entitlement was “deeply surprising” coming from an experienced leader.

Angang argued the cabinet system follows the Westminster model, where ministers unable to support a government decision on principle are expected to resign.

“Such an action is not a form of threat or an attempt to bind the government.

"It reflects the integrity and adherence to principles that form the foundation of parliamentary democracy,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu today.

Yesterday, Hassan accused certain Sabah leaders of attempting to “hold the federal government ransom” by threatening to resign if Putrajaya appealed the High Court ruling affirming the state’s 40 percent revenue entitlement.

He was responding to Upko president Ewon Benedict, who on Sunday said he will resign as entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister if Putrajaya appeals against the High Court’s landmark ruling affirming Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 percent of federal revenue collected from the state.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | What High Court's 40pct revenue ruling means for Sabah

Angang added that resignations on matters of principle were common in the United Kingdom, and that honesty towards one’s political convictions remains a hallmark of democratic governance.

In line with Upko’s fight

The senator said Ewon's position on the issue was consistent with his party’s long-standing advocacy for the full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s 40 percent revenue entitlement.

“Ewon’s commitment to MA63 is well-documented and enshrined in Upko’s constitution.

“If a minister cannot support a government decision that contradicts a principle they have long championed, then stepping down is an honourable course,” he added.

Angang pointed out that not every ruling requires the Attorney-General's Chambers to file an appeal, even though it has the right to appeal court decisions.

He urged leaders in the peninsula to understand the depth of Sabah and Sarawak sentiments on MA63 and the recent High Court judgment recognising Sabah’s 40 percent net revenue entitlement.

“The federal government has failed to honour this since 1973. This decision presents an opportunity for all Malaysians to move forward together, respecting the spirit of MA63 and the rights enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.

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KINIGUIDE | What High Court's 40pct revenue ruling means for Sabah