Sabah and Sarawak could play the role of “kingmakers” and determine who leads the Federal Government, according to UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon said the political influence of both states should not be viewed solely through the lens of current political developments, but also in the broader context of their role in the formation of Malaysia.
“Sabah and Sarawak can be kingmakers and determine who becomes Prime Minister. I see this in a much broader context. The Federation, or Malaysia as a country, would not exist without Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
He added that both states should remain actively involved in the Federal Government and national governance, while retaining the political strength to influence the country’s future direction.
Ewon made the remarks at a press conference after officiating the 17th UPKO Triennial Delegates Conference at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA here on Monday.
He said Sabah and Sarawak’s political strength in determining the direction of the Federal Government should not be underestimated, particularly when it comes to deciding the country’s leadership.
Ewon was responding to a statement by PBM president Datuk Larry Sng Wei Shien, who had suggested that GPS and GRS might no longer be kingmakers if Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) secure a simple majority in the 16th General Election.
According to Ewon, the position held by Sabah and Sarawak should be used to ensure that the interests of both states remain a priority in Federal administration, in line with their role in the formation of Malaysia.
“If this is the real strength of Sabah and Sarawak in determining whether the Malaysian Federation should continue, then the role of Sabah and Sarawak in determining who becomes Prime Minister and who should be part of the Federal Government should not be underestimated,” he said.
Meanwhile, on parliamentary seat negotiations for the next general election, Ewon said UPKO would bring the party’s views and position to discussions with its partners in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
He said UPKO hoped to retain the opportunity to contest the Tuaran and Penampang parliamentary seats, which are currently held by the party.
“For matters involving seats, there will certainly be negotiations with the parties in GRS. But UPKO will put forward its views and position, particularly that the two existing parliamentary seats held by UPKO — Tuaran and Penampang — should remain open for the party to contest,” he said.
Ewon added that other matters concerning seat distribution would be discussed through GRS’ internal processes, including negotiations with the Chief Minister and other coalition partners.
