Trust Legal Process Says Ex Rep After Ewon S Premature Resignation

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Former Petagas assemblyman James Ligunjang says Sabahans must remain steadfast and have faith in the nation’s structured legal framework.
Former assemblyman James Ligunjang said it is the constitutional and legal duty of the attorney-general to consider if there are significant constitutional questions involved when deciding on appeals. (Facebook pic)PETALING JAYA: Ex-Petagas assemblyman James Ligunjang has urged Sabahans to exercise patience and remain steadfast concerning their entitlement to 40% of federal revenue derived from the state, following a minister’s resignation yesterday
Ligunjang described as “premature” the decision by Upko’s Ewon Benedick to resign as the entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister in view of the stance taken by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on the case.
“While emotions run high and the desire for immediate justice is understandable, trusting the legal process is essential for achieving lasting constitutional recognition.
“Patience and unity in the face of frustration will strengthen our collective resolve,” he said in a statement.
The Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled on Oct 17 that the federal government acted unlawfully by failing to honour Sabah’s 40% share of net federal revenue from the state for nearly five decades.
Ewon yesterday said he would write to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to inform him of his resignation, citing his party’s principle to uphold the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Sabah’s constitutional rights as his reason for quitting his Cabinet post.
He also said he had studied the written judgment by Kota Kinabalu High Court judge Celestina Stuel Galid in the judicial review filed by the Sabah Law Society and found that the AGC’s position had ignored the historical basis of Malaysia’s formation.
Ligunjang said it is crucial to recognise that Malaysia’s judicial system is designed to handle such disputes through a structured legal framework.
He highlighted that the Federal Court, as the highest judicial authority, will have the final say in issuing binding rulings on constitutional and significant legal issues.
“In this context, the role of the attorney-general is vital. It is the constitutional and legal duty of the AG to consider whether to appeal the High Court’s ruling, especially if there are significant constitutional questions involved.”
Ligunjang also said he hoped the AG would refrain from appealing the High Court’s decision and instead enforce its mandamus order to ensure Putrajaya fulfils its constitutional obligations.
“However, it remains important to acknowledge the legal framework and processes that guide these actions,” he said. - FMT

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