PKR youth leader calls for resignation of Sabah leaders over 40 pct revenue entitlement issue

KOTA KINABALU (April 10): A Sabah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) youth leader has called for the resignation of two senior Sabah leaders, citing frustration over what he described as a “lack of concrete progress” on the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.

In a statement, Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Sabah vice chief Eldridge Laurence Timis said it was “deeply frustrating” that some leaders were vocal on the issue but had not played an effective role in securing a resolution.

He singled out Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) honorary president Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, describing their stance as “particularly disappointing”, despite what he said were ongoing efforts by the federal government.

“While the Madani Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has shown a clear commitment to resolving the issue in a structured manner, they continue to create the perception as if no effort is being made,” he said.

Eldridge said current negotiations represented the most progress in nearly six decades, involving technical discussions between the Sabah State Secretary and the Secretary-General of the Treasury, and should be allowed to proceed under the government-to-government mechanism based on Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.

He stressed it was unfair to place blame on one side, adding that any failure in negotiations would reflect both state and federal administrations rather than a reason for political point-scoring.

He said Ewon, in his capacity as Deputy Chief Minister III, should take responsibility if talks fail, and suggested that resignation would be the “most principled course of action” if no resolution is reached.

Eldridge also questioned Madius’ role as chairman of the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC), a state government-linked company, suggesting accountability should be tied to public office performance.

Sabahans, he said, are seeking results rather than rhetoric, adding that leadership must be decisive, firm in negotiations and focused on delivering outcomes.

Meanwhile, Kepayan assemblyman Datuk Chin Tek Ming also called for Ewon’s resignation, citing inconsistency over the long-standing 40 per cent entitlement issue.

In a statement on Thursday, Chin questioned Upko’s position, noting that the party had previously left the Pakatan Harapan coalition over Sabah rights concerns but is now part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government, where the issue remains unresolved.

He said Sabahans were entitled to a clear explanation for any change in stance, warning that the lack of clarity could raise questions about accountability.

“If there is no clear explanation, people will question whether leaders are being accountable,” he said.

Chin added that leadership must be consistent and responsible, stressing that Sabahans have waited too long for the constitutional entitlement to be fulfilled and are closely watching developments.