Loke Slams Ewon Over 40% Sabah Revenue Claim, Questions Motif
Transport Minister and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has rebuked former Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick for accusing the federal government of failing to push for Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement.
In a strongly worded speech, Loke said Ewon’s criticism was misplaced, noting that the former minister did not attend a special Cabinet meeting convened specifically to discuss the matter with the Attorney General. The meeting, held on 11 November, was meant to address concerns surrounding the Attorney General’s Chambers’ (AGC) appeal against the High Court decision on Sabah’s revenue rights.
Loke said Ewon had ample opportunity to raise his objections at the meeting but “chose not to show up,” despite publicly positioning himself as a defender of Sabah’s rights.
“He kept presenting himself as a hero on the issue, yet he was absent when the Cabinet met to discuss the 40% revenue with the Attorney General. That was the time for him to speak up,”.
He also clarified that although Ewon announced his resignation on 8 November, it only takes effect in December, meaning he was still a member of the Cabinet at the time of the meeting.
Loke’s remarks come amid heightened political pressure in Sabah, where the 40% revenue entitlement has become a flashpoint issue ahead of the state election. The government has insisted that negotiations with Sabah are ongoing and that it remains committed to honouring constitutional provisions.
