UPKO honorary president Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau has defended the resignation of party president Datuk Ewon Benedick from the federal Cabinet, rejecting DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s assertion that it was a bid to “play to the gallery.” Tangau described Ewon’s decision as a principled stance grounded in honour and consistency.
In a statement on Monday, Tangau explained that Ewon had long indicated he would step down should the Attorney General decide to appeal the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s ruling affirming Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
Tangau criticised the federal government for appearing to backtrack, particularly after confirmation that portions of the ruling were set to be appealed.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would not appeal. But federal officials say the AG will appeal portions of it. How can you say you’re not appealing — but only appealing parts of it?” he questioned. “It’s either you appeal or you don’t. The AG can’t have it both ways.”
He added that Sabahans had largely praised Ewon’s resignation, which was formally announced via a media statement rather than at a public rally.
In response to Loke’s comments, Tangau suggested that the phrase “playing to the gallery” was more appropriately applied to political speeches containing “half-truths,” citing Anwar’s recent announcement of PKR candidates as an example.
Tangau further raised concerns over Putrajaya’s handling of Sabah’s long-standing 40 per cent revenue claim, recalling Anwar’s previous declaration that matters guaranteed under the Malaysia Agreement were “not for negotiation, but implementation.”
“The procedure for payment to Sabah and Sarawak has been outlined since 1963,” Tangau said, referencing Article 112C and the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. “There should not be any hold-up in complying with the High Court ruling.”
Earlier, Loke accused Ewon, the former Minister for Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, of grandstanding over Sabah’s revenue entitlement. He argued that Ewon’s resignation was intended to elicit public sympathy rather than demonstrate courage.
Loke emphasised that a special Cabinet meeting was convened on 11 November to address the matter, highlighting its national significance. He said the Cabinet had reached a unanimous decision not to appeal the High Court ruling but agreed that certain aspects of the judgment required challenge.
Dismissing Ewon’s claims that the Cabinet had neglected Sabah’s interests, Loke noted that Ewon had been absent from the critical meeting.
“Ewon keeps harping on this issue, trying to project himself as a hero but the truth is he was not present at the special Cabinet meeting and the Attorney General appeared before the Cabinet to explain the matter and Ewon knew about the meeting yet he did not show up,” he said. - November 17, 2025
