Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Ewon Benedick has dismissed accusations that he “scammed” Sabah voters by joining the new unity state government after resigning from the federal Cabinet and campaigning under a “Sabah First” banner.
Ewon — now holding the state industrial, entrepreneurship and transport portfolio — stressed that his message has always been focused on fulfilling Sabah’s constitutional rights, especially the long-contested 40 per cent revenue entitlement. The current state administration, he said, offers the strongest platform yet to advance those demands.
According to him, critics are ignoring a crucial shift: the new government is now dominated by Sabah-based parties, with only two ministers coming from national coalitions.
“We are the majority in decision-making. That’s extremely important, and far better than past governments in terms of composition,” he said during his first official event as a state minister.
He added that his “Sabah First” stance has always been about pushing for state rights — not rejecting cooperation with federal parties.
“The government is already formed; the Chief Minister has exercised his wisdom. It is now a unity government, and I want to move forward,” he said.
Ewon, who resigned last month as the federal entrepreneurial development and cooperatives minister, said his experience in Putrajaya provided valuable insight into how federal institutions view Sabah’s devolution demands.
“Having served in the federal government, I understand how they see the 40 per cent entitlement. That experience will help Sabah negotiate firmly with the federal government,” he said.
He underscored that fighting for Sabah’s rights is a constitutional duty, not a political gimmick.
“It must be the responsibility of all Sabahans and Sabah leaders. Now that I’m in the state government, I will continue that pursuit.”
Ewon affirmed he will work closely with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to push state rights negotiations forward, saying he is “more than ready” to support the effort.
When pressed on whether joining a unity government contradicts his campaign platform, Ewon declined to revisit campaign debates.
“Let’s leave today’s matters here. What matters is my leadership for the next five years,” he said.
His comments mark his most detailed defence so far against critics who claim he abandoned his “Sabah First” promise by entering a Cabinet that includes Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional — parties he previously criticised over their approach to Sabah rights.
