Ewon determined to make ‘Sabah First’ a success in new ministry

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport of Sabah, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has stressed his commitment to implementing the ‘Sabah First’ vision as the main thrust of his leadership at the ministry.

He said the main focus included developing a more conducive investment and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sabah, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said it should be the backbone of economic activities in the state of Sabah and that is Sabah First.

“We want PMKS products and services to be improved so that they meet domestic and international market standards and are able to compete outside Sabah.”

“Ministry and agencies must also improve the quality of services with the spirit of implementing the best through efficient governance, especially to the PMKS community,” he said.

He said this when he began his official duties at the ministry yesterday, after attending the first meeting of the Sabah Government Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor.

Ewon, who is also the President of UPKO, said the political struggle based on Sabah First carried out by the party remains based on Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement and the Federal Constitution, including the demand for a refund of 40 percent of Sabah’s revenue.

“Through this ministry, I have set the vision of Sabah First, which is to develop more Sabahans who have income, either as entrepreneurs or working with entrepreneurs,” he said.

Ewon also announced that he would be visiting agencies under the ministry starting the following day to receive briefings and share the main focus of his leadership.

In addition, he expressed his willingness to lead the ministry as a Sabah First team that truly serves the people.

“I will allocate at least one day a week to meet stakeholders and go out into the field to meet the PMKS community and other stakeholders.”

“I will also allocate one day a week to carry out my mandate as Kadamaian assemblyman and Penampang Member of Parliament,” he said.

Commenting on the formation of the Sabah Unity Government, Ewon said that although he dreams of seeing a state government formed by local parties, he respects the Chief Minister’s wisdom in making the decision.

“This in no way erases the Sabah First agenda that UPKO and I are fighting for,” he said.

-Agency