KOTA KINABALU: President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick, has reaffirmed that his stance on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement remains unchanged.

Ewon, who is also Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said his earlier decision to resign from the Federal Cabinet was made in protest against the government’s move to appeal the High Court ruling that had favoured Sabah.

He explained that the first appeal challenged the High Court’s judgment, while the second sought to stay the execution of the decision — a request that was subsequently granted by the Court of Appeal.

“The decision to allow the stay has undermined the earlier High Court ruling,” he said when met by reporters after the Sabah State Railway Department’s (JKNS) Excellent Service Awards 2025 and Appreciation Ceremony here yesterday.

Earlier, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor had stated that the state government does not agree with the appeal, while still respecting the judicial process.

At the same time, Ewon noted that the Chief Minister wants negotiations between the state and Federal governments to continue until a final resolution is reached.

“For me and UPKO, our position remains the same. This issue has dragged on for nearly 40 years, and the people of Sabah will judge when the time comes,” he said.

He added that the Court of Appeal’s decision to grant the stay, along with the Federal Government’s move to file two appeals, should be assessed by the public — especially if the 40 per cent entitlement is not implemented.

Ewon stressed that UPKO has consistently voiced its position across multiple platforms, including Federal Cabinet meetings, Parliament, the State Legislative Assembly, and the Sabah Cabinet.

“We have fulfilled our responsibility and will continue to consistently uphold this position,” he said.

On the matter, he added that if the issue remains unresolved and no payment is made after the dissolution of Parliament, the people will ultimately decide the country’s leadership.

“If the 40 per cent has still not been paid by then, it will be up to the people to make their decision,” he said firmly.

Ewon also clarified that the issue of “lost years” is separate from future payments.

He noted that for upcoming years, such as 2027 onwards, the Federal Government should be able to establish a mechanism to ensure that 40 per cent of Sabah’s revenue is retained in the state.

“This matter is not difficult to resolve. Constitutional issues must be separated from current government policies,” he said.

Ewon added that Sabahans understand their constitutional rights, which should be distinguished from annual development allocations that fall under current policy decisions.

In this regard, he said UPKO has decided to continue standing with the people of Sabah and to fight for the state’s rights under the leadership of the current state government.

“We will continue this struggle alongside the people of Sabah to claim what is rightfully ours,” he said.