Ewon Slams The Door On Cabinet Post Confirming A Reshuffle Is Next

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AMID mounting speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has yet to address, the resignation of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has effectively set the stage for changes within the Madani administration.
Ewon Benedick announced his resignation on Saturday, citing his disagreement with the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) position on the matter.
The UPKO president said the AGC’s stance disregarded the historical and constitutional foundations of Malaysia’s formation and was inconsistent with Sabah’s rights. “It would be awkward for me to remain in the Cabinet while holding an opposing view,” he said.
The AGC has acknowledged receipt of the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s written judgment concerning Sabah’s claim for its Special Grant covering the years 1974 to 2021.
In a statement yesterday, the AGC said it is reviewing the court’s reasoning in detail before determining the appropriate next steps.
“The department will undertake a comprehensive study of the judgment and assess all pertinent legal considerations before deciding on any subsequent action,” it said.
The High Court had earlier ruled that the federal government acted unlawfully and exceeded its constitutional authority by failing to honour Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement from federal revenue for nearly five decades.
Meanwhile, Former Petagas assemblyman James Ligunjang urged Sabahans to remain patient and let the judicial process run its course after the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled that the federal government had unlawfully failed to honour Sabah’s constitutional share of net revenue for nearly five decades.
“While emotions run high, trusting the legal process is essential for achieving lasting constitutional recognition,” he said.
Ligunjang described Ewon’s decision to quit as premature, stressing that the Federal Court must have the final say on the issue. “Patience and unity will strengthen our collective resolve,” he added.
Media efforts to obtain Anwar’s comments on Ewon’s resignation at two events in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday were unsuccessful. When briefly approached after officiating the Rancakkan Madani Sabah programme, Anwar said only, “I will, I will,” indicating he would respond soon.— Focus Malaysia

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