SHAH ALAM – The bold decision by United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick to resign from his position in the Federal Cabinet over disagreement with the Attorney General’s stance on Sabah’s rights has further strengthened his party’s image as the genuine voice of the state’s people.
Political analyst from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Hussain Yusri Zawawi said the move indirectly gave UPKO an advantage ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election.
“His courage to defend the state’s rights even at the risk of losing political influence at the federal level is an advantage. It sends a message that UPKO will not bow to federal political pressure, but instead prioritises the interests of Sabahans.
“Ewon’s action is seen by many as a symbol of courage and political integrity. The people of Sabah have long demanded that the promises made under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 be fulfilled fairly.
“Therefore, this move could potentially garner strong support from the people who want local leaders to boldly fight for the state’s rights without compromise,” he told Sinar.
UPKO is part of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in Sabah, alongside PKR, DAP and Amanah.
Hussain added that Sabah’s political landscape was known for its complex dynamics, where personality factors, relations between local and national parties and the influence of local economic development often determined voting patterns.
“Thus, although Ewon’s action is morally and principledly commendable, it does not necessarily guarantee absolute political victory without a strong grassroots strategy.
“Moreover, his resignation could also disrupt the political balance of the party within the Federal Unity Government. The absence of Ewon in the Cabinet means UPKO has lost a direct voice in shaping national development policies related to Sabah,” he said.