Kuala lumpur: DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke today rebuked former Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, saying his resignation over Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement issue was more about ‘playing to the gallery’ than a genuine act of bravery.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke explained that the Federal Cabinet held a special meeting on Nov 11 specifically to discuss the 40 per cent issue, something he said showed how important it was. After thorough debate, the Cabinet reached a consensus to not appeal the court’s ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent rights, but the government agreed to appeal specific grounds in the court judgment that could imply that the Federal Government since 1974 had ‘misused its powers’. Loke emphasized that not challenging this particular finding would mean the current government is admitting, on behalf of past administrations, to misuse of power, which would carry criminal implications.
Loke also criticised Ewon for repeatedly alleging that the Cabinet ignored Sabah’s views when, in reality, he failed to attend the very meeting called to resolve the issue. Loke questioned why Ewon did not use the Cabinet meeting to record his objections or challenge the Attorney General directly. He stated that 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. The Attorney General appeared before the Cabinet to explain the matter and Ewon knew about the meeting yet he did not show up. Loke challenged Ewon’s bravery by asking why he didn’t confront the AG at the meeting or state his arguments formally.
Loke also highlighted that even though Ewon announced his resignation on Nov 8, it isn’t official yet, and Ewon is still technically a Cabinet member because it only takes effect after December and he is currently on leave.
In another statement, Loke affirmed that DAP and the federal government remain committed to working with Sabah to actualise the 40 per cent entitlement in stages, following proper governance and legal processes. He stated that as Cabinet ministers, they have a duty to safeguard the unity of the Federation. Appealing the entitlement could be exploited by certain individuals to inflame emotions, stir anti-federal sentiment and influence Sabah voters. Loke emphasized their responsibility to defend the Federation and uphold its unity. He added that DAP Sabah has always supported Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement and has consistently pressed Putrajaya on this matter, demonstrating their firm commitment.