By Lesaya L. Sorudim
KOTA KINABALU: Nearly six decades ago, Penampang, a quiet district on the fringes of Kota Kinabalu, was home to two of Sabah’s most revered statesmen — Tun Fuad Stephens (then Donald Stephens) and Datuk Peter Joinod Mojuntin.
Both men stood tall at a time when courage and conviction were the hallmarks of true leadership. Tun Fuad, Sabah’s first Chief Minister, played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s destiny during the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
Mojuntin, affectionately remembered as “The Golden Son of the Kadazan”, became the moral conscience of a generation — a leader unafraid to defend his people’s rights and dignity, even when it cost him dearly.
Today, almost sixty years on, Penampang once again finds itself at the centre of Sabah’s political conscience — this time through Datuk Ewon Benedick, the 41-year-old Member of Parliament and president of UPKO.
Ewon’s decision to resign from his Federal Cabinet post has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political circles. His stated reason — disappointment over the Federal Attorney-General’s Chambers’ decision to appeal the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling affirming Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement — has struck a deep chord among Sabahans long yearning for leaders who dare to act, not merely speak.
Such a move, rare in Malaysia’s political culture where power is often held onto tightly, is being hailed as an act of principle and bravery.
It was a line-in-the-sand moment — a stand that echoed the moral fortitude once embodied by Tun Fuad and Mojuntin.
Yet, political observers note that this bold resignation could also serve as the tonic UPKO desperately needed.
The party, long seen as struggling to define its place within the larger coalition framework, may now find new relevance and vitality in championing Sabah’s rights with renewed conviction.
Whether driven purely by principle or by strategic foresight, Ewon’s act of defiance has reawakened a conversation about integrity, courage, and leadership in Sabah politics.
As the dust settles, one question remains — can Ewon Benedick truly walk in the footsteps of Tun Fuad Stephens and Peter Mojuntin, leading with the same moral clarity, courage, and selflessness that once defined Penampang’s finest sons?
Only time — and Ewon’s next steps — will provide the answer.
