KOTA BELUD: President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Datuk Ewon Benedick said that the party’s struggle and the people’s aspirations must be translated into government policies and initiatives that provide comprehensive benefits to the people.
Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said that the real struggle is not just slogans and rhetoric but needs to be translated through the implementation of high-impact programmes that benefit the people as a whole.
“UPKO will continue to express its views and be part of the contributors towards the construction of the Federation of Malaysia and a better future for Sabah.
“We begin this responsibility through leadership in the ministry by introducing the Look East Policy domestically from the KUSKOP perspective.
“This policy is established to address the needs and challenges in Sabah and Sarawak, which are different from the challenges in Peninsular Malaysia, and to find the best solutions so that the people in Borneo do not feel marginalised,” he said.
He said this while officiating the UPKO Kaamatan Festival at the Kadamaian Square Open Hall, here, today.
Ewon said that he also ensures that the agencies under his ministry provide comprehensive services and implement many initiatives that are in line with the needs of Sabah and Sarawak.
Among the initiatives introduced are the guest entrepreneur scheme and the craft industry financing scheme.
“This is the trust and aspiration of the people of Sabah that I hold, representing the UPKO party, representing Sabah in the federal government,” he said.
Ewon said that his struggle began with the mandate given to the people of Kadamaian and Penampang, as well as the trust bestowed upon him by the Prime Minister to lead the ministry.
“We start with responsibility; we fight, discuss, negotiate, and take action based on the principles of our consistent struggle all this time.
“Of course, there is still much to fight for in the context of entrepreneurship and cooperative development in Sabah and Sarawak.
“However, with a comprehensive approach and cooperation between the federal and state governments, we can build a better Malaysia and Sabah,” he added.
Ewon said that UPKO’s struggle within the government is not just rhetoric but is clearly translated through policies, programmes, and the government’s annual budget.
“UPKO wants to collaborate with all parties that can lead to progress and a better future for the Malaysian people, wherever they may be.
“This includes our efforts to bring entrepreneurs and cooperatives to the international market so that our local products are not only sold domestically but also find a place in the international market,” he said.
Commenting on the spirit of unity, Ewon said, “Call it whatever slogan to instil the spirit of unity; UPKO has no objections. What is important is that UPKO wants to see true unity, a struggle that can be translated into government programmes and policies.”
He said that the Kaamatan Festival celebration is not only a symbol of gratitude for the agricultural harvest but also a platform to celebrate achievements in various fields, including education, careers, public service, corporate entrepreneurship movements, and cooperatives.
“In our efforts to uphold cultural heritage, we must celebrate the Kaamatan Festival as a symbol of success and the result of continuous struggle.
“Among our struggles is to realise the purpose for which Malaysia was established 62 years ago, when Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore, and Malaya agreed to sign the Malaysia Agreement, leading to the formation of a new country called Malaysia.
“Out of the many issues we have fought for all this time, 13 matters discussed regarding the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement have been fully resolved and finalised.
“This is a fact. Of the 13 matters that have been resolved, 9 matters have been settled by the government today, namely the Sabah Government and the Federal Government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Haji Noor,” he said.
Ewon said that as the president of UPKO, he is proud because the party is in the federal government cabinet and has helped finalise 9 issues that have been fought for over 62 years.
“Of course, this is also an achievement and success that we need to celebrate together, a harvest of struggle that we need to celebrate during
the Kaamatan Festival,” he said.
He said there are still other demands that need to be fought for.
“That is why UPKO wants to invite the unity and cooperation of all Malaysians, especially the people of Sabah and the leaders of this state, to continue to be united,” he said.
