KOTA KINABALU: The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) president, Datuk Ewon Benedick, is urging the state government to officially request the federal government return 40 percent of the revenue collected in Sabah.
According to Benedick, the Sabah government has never formally submitted a demand letter for repayment to the federal government, despite making demands through media reports, parliamentary speeches, and the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
He believes that it is crucial for the state government to submit an official demand while also considering the total revenue for claims over the years, including any outstanding amounts.
Benedick expressed confidence that the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Hajiji Haji Noor, and his cabinet will discuss the matter and proceed with the claim.
He also called on the parties supporting the Chief Minister to take the initiative in finding the appropriate mechanism for the claim, emphasising that it is a technical process that requires careful consideration.
“UPKO has already taken the initiative to propose a repayment mechanism for 40 percent of the federal revenue in Sabah, which was submitted to the Chief Minister on January 9,” he said, here on Monday.
Benedick clarified that while he is a member of the Technical Committee of the Malaysian Agreement Implementation Action Council (MA63), he does not represent the voice of the state government.
“But, in the capacity of a member of the committee, I can give views that are compatible with my confidence and trust in what I understand about the Federal Constitution and also the demands of the party I lead,” he said.
Regarding the recent meeting with the Chief Minister, Ewon said he had suggested to the Chief Minister that they discuss this matter as soon as possible.
“Because we have tried to get an understanding with the Prime Minister and other colleagues in the Federal Cabinet, so far, the federal government has never given a time line; only the Madani government, led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has given a period, which is until July this year.
“But how do we discuss this mechanism if there is no official demand from the Sabah Government?” he said.
