UPKO president, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the role of Sabah and Sarawak should not be seen only from the current political point of view, but rather in a larger context in the national landscape.
"Sabah and Sarawak can be the 'kingmakers' and determine who the Prime Minister is. I see it in a larger context. This federation or the country of Malaysia will not exist without Sabah and Sarawak.
"That's why Sabah and Sarawak should be part of the Federal government and governance of this country. They can be the 'kingmakers', whether they want to continue this Federation," he said.
Ewon said that the political strength of Sabah and Sarawak in determining the direction of the Federal government should not be taken lightly, including in determining the national leadership.
The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III was asked about his stance on the statement by Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), president Datuk Larry Sng, that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will no longer be 'kingmakers' if Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) get a simple majority in the 16th General Election (GE16).
According to him, the position needs to be used to ensure the interests of Sabah and Sarawak continue to be given attention in the Federal administration, in line with the position of the two states in the formation of Malaysia.
"Do not underestimate the role of Sabah and Sarawak in ensuring who the Prime Minister should be in the Federal government," he said.
Asked about the distribution of seats in the upcoming GE, Ewon said UPKO will bring the party's views and stance to be discussed with colleagues in the GRS, especially regarding the two parliamentary seats currently held by the party.
He said, UPKO hopes that the Tuaran and Penampang parliamentary seats will continue to be given to them to contest, while other matters related to the distribution of seats will be discussed through the GRS internal process.
"If it's about seats, it will definitely be negotiated with the parties in the GRS. But UPKO will present its views and position, and at least two existing UPKO seats for Parliament, namely Tuaran and Penampang, should be given to us.
"As for the rest, we will negotiate through the internal process in the GRS," he added. – August 10, 2026
