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Daily Express
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Armizan: ties must be government-to-government
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: 'We've seen this happen in the decades-long delay of MA63 implementation, where party lines muted state demands,' said Armizan. Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Deputy Sec-Gen. Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali called for a structural rethinking of federal-state relations, saying Sabah's interests must be negotiated government-to-government and not through political party channels. 'The relationship between the federal and state governments must be inter-governmental, not intra-party,' Armizan stressed, in a pointed critique of how national political dominance can undermine state priorities. He said GRS does not reject cooperation with national parties, but believes local parties must lead the Sabah Government to safeguard state interests. 'Too often, when both levels of government are controlled by the same national party, state matters are first discussed behind closed party doors. This compromises Sabah's voice,' he said. He warned that intra-party negotiations can lead to federal interests being prioritised over regional concerns, especially when national party loyalty is seen as absolute. 'We've seen this happen in the decades-long delay of MA63 implementation, where party lines muted state demands,' said Armizan. Advertisement While he welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's more responsive stance on MA63, Armizan cautioned that state rights should not depend on the goodwill of individual leaders. 'Commitment can change with federal leadership. That's why we need a structural model that guarantees Sabah's interests will be respected, regardless of who is in power.' He reaffirmed GRS' core philosophy of Sabah First, emphasising that the state government must always place Sabah's agenda above all else. 'We do not oppose national interests, but let the federal government champion that. The state government must be led by local parties who understand and prioritise Sabah.' As Sabah gears up for its next state election, Armizan reiterated that GRS intends to lead the state administration. 'This election is about choosing the Sabah government. Let national parties lead Putrajaya. We will support and cooperate. But let local parties lead in Sabah,' he said. He also said GRS remains open to collaborating with national parties, including during the election, but on the understanding that local parties be given the space to contest and lead at the state level. "This is the model that currently defines the GRS-PH Plus cooperation, a federal coalition led by national parties, and a Sabah government grounded in local leadership,' he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Darau AGM on Sunday. Meanwhile, GRS direct member Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan urged Sabah leaders to move beyond internal political feuds and focus on a united vision for the state's future. 'We need to stop fighting. Sabahan leaders have been fighting among themselves for years. Why can't we stand together, be objective, and look ahead to Sabah's future especially for the next generation?' he asked. He was responding to certain leaders and the public who preferred to see GRS go solo at the polls, calling them to reflect on what Sabah truly needs. 'Do we want to keep fighting? Or do we want to bring Sabah to a higher level?' he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Moyog AGM in Penampang also on Sunday. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Federal-Sabah ties must be inter-governmental, not intra-party, says Armizan
Armizan Mohd Ali said GRS's 'Sabah first' model does not reject cooperation with national parties, but lays the foundation for local parties to form the backbone of the state government. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Cooperation between the federal and Sabah governments must take place on an inter-governmental and not intra-party basis, according to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali. Armizan, who is also the domestic trade and cost of living minister, said GRS's 'Sabah first' model does not reject cooperation with national parties, but lays the foundation for local parties to form the backbone of the state government. 'This approach is crucial to ensure that federal-state relations are conducted on an inter-governmental basis, not an intra-party one,' he said when opening the annual meeting of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah's Darau division today. 'This is because we want issues concerning state interests to be negotiated and resolved through formal channels between the federal and state governments, not within the internal mechanisms of a single party.' Armizan, who is also the Papar MP, said that when the same national party becomes the core of both the federal and state administrations, there is a tendency for issues affecting the state to be discussed and decided within party lines. 'If state matters are resolved through an intra-party process, the risk is that party interests will be prioritised over state interests. More worryingly, some national parties are deeply entrenched in a doctrine that places loyalty to the party above all else, without compromise,' he said. He also said there have been instances when state issues are sidelined simply because the national party prioritises national interests above state concerns. 'A clear example of this is the decades-long struggle over the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Only recently have we seen meaningful federal commitment on MA63 under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 'However, we cannot rely solely on the attitude or style of individual leaders, what we need is a structural solution,' he said. He said if there is a framework to ensure that federal-state relations remain inter-governmental in nature rather than intra-party, then state interests will always remain a priority. The state government, meanwhile, must function with state interests as its top priority. 'To national parties, (I say) lead the federal government. We will support and work with you. But let local parties lead the state government. This is the spirit behind the GRS and Pakatan Harapan Plus coalition government we have today,' he said. Sabah Barisan Nasional treasurer Salleh Said Keruak said yesterday the 'Sabahan No 1' is not an empty slogan for BN as it represents the party's struggle to give priority to the interests of the people of the state. Salleh, who had previously asserted that the struggle for the state's rights is not the domain of any one party but of all Sabahans, said Sabah BN moved in tandem with the federal unity coalition government, to ensure the state had a decisive voice in national affairs.
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
UPKO backs patriotic slogans to foster unity, says Ewon
KOTA KINABALU (May 15): Any political party or Sabahan citizen is free to use any slogan or theme they believe can foster a sense of patriotism among Malaysians, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick. 'I have no objection … call it 'Sabah for Sabahans', 'Sabah First', 'Sabah Our Home', or anything else – as long as the intent is noble and the goal is to foster patriotism and unity among the people of Sabah,' said Ewon, who is also Kadamaian Assemblyman and Penampang Member of Parliament. 'As long as it promotes harmony, cooperation and solidarity within our federation, I consider it a good thing,' he added. Speaking to reporters after witnessing the takeover of Klinik Sahabat signing ceremony between Koperasi Pekerja-Pekerja Kerajaan Sabah Berhad and Sahabat Ikhtiar Hospitality Sdn Bhd at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) today, Ewon stated that from the UPKO's standpoint, the party has no issue with Sabahans or Sabah leaders adopting such themes. Ewon also stated that both UPKO and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Arthur Kurup are part of national coalition, and emphasised that this does not prevent them from representing the voice of Sabah. 'In fact, this can serve as a bridge. I represent a Sabahan party that is part of this national coalition,' he said. For example, in terms of achievements, it was under the current government that nine of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) provisions were realised, said Ewon. 'That shows we complement one another. So, I see no obstacle for Sabah parties to move according to their own aspirations — just as we aspire to see greater unity. I fully understand the sentiment in Sabah — this state sentiment — I understand it deeply. As the president of a Sabah-based party, I fully grasp it,' he said. 'That is why I have made it clear that local aspirations must form the foundation of any negotiation. These negotiations must lead to unity — and that unity must encompass broader cooperation,' he added. Ewon also stressed the importance of exploring larger collaborations. 'We cannot afford to limit ourselves to just our own party in Sabah and avoid exploring larger collaborations. Given today's geopolitical climate and trade wars, we cannot afford to assume that Sabah can fight for everything on its own — I don't think so,' he said. He added that he believed cooperation with all parties would be more effective. 'For me, I see this as a broader form of collaboration, because we are not only focused on developing Sabah, but also on defending its sovereignty,' he reminded. 'Let us not forget — who was successful in defeating the Sulu claim? It was the Madani government. We succeeded in defeating the claim overseas. And who led the special task force? It was Datuk Seri Azalina, whom we appointed to head the task force at the Cabinet level. We succeeded.' 'That is why I say — we cannot afford to believe that only we alone can do it. If cooperation with other parties brings added strength, why not?' he added. Ewon also said that he wants to see the Malaysian Federation remain as it was intended when it was formed 63 years ago. 'Yes, there are shortcomings. That is why we must sit together to fix them and strengthen the Federation with new energy,' he said. He also reminded that there is no use fighting under the same banner for decades if, in the end, there are still areas where roads remain unrepaired, and internet access is still poor. 'All of these, in my view, require cooperation,' he said. 'Even in the constituency I represent, there are many shortcomings. And because I am fully aware of those shortcomings, I want to bring every possible strength to help resolve them. 'And if I can gain strength by building friendships and working with more people, more parties, and more leaders — then why not? He reminded that the people want solutions to their problems — not just loud voices championing their cause. 'Some of us may not always be seen speaking out, but in terms of work and results, there are things worth highlighting,' he said. 'For example, at the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, I've introduced an inward-looking 'Look East' policy tailored specifically to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak,' said Ewon. He said that they have launched initiatives such as the Tamu Desa premises scheme, the Tamu Entrepreneur Scheme, and the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Grant Scheme for Sabah and Sarawak. These were introduced because they meet the actual needs on the ground, he said. 'What matters most is finding effective approaches to address the needs of Sabah and Sarawak. Those needs cannot be met by passion alone — they must be supported by policies, initiatives, and budgets that uphold those policies. It is those very policies that can elevate our spirit. 'At the end of the day, people will ask — our patriotic spirit may be strong, but the roads are still in poor condition. 'I want to invite fellow leaders in Sabah to unite — regardless of which party we belong to. Whether we are only in Sabah, or whether we can form friendships and collaborations with parties across the country — even with partners outside Malaysia,' urged Ewon. 'That, to me, is what matters most. This is why I keep saying that solving the people's problems cannot be done through rhetoric alone. 'For example, I will soon be visiting Kadamaian with cooperatives that are ready to help address the needs of the people through corporate social responsibility programmes. They want to assist villages in need, villages that have submitted requests that I am unable to fulfil with my limited state assembly allocation,' he said. 'However, premier cooperatives — including some from Peninsular Malaysia — have come forward with offers to help. Why should I reject such partnerships from the cooperative movement when they are eager to be part of the solution? So, for me, it is always about solving problems,' he added. As for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, we have proven our commitment, said Ewon. 'Under the Madani government, nine of the MA63 demands have been finalised and fully resolved — four of which were already achieved before I joined the Federal Cabinet.'
Free Malaysia Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Nothing divisive about ‘Sabah for Sabahans', says state PH chief
Sabah PH chief Ewon Benedick said slogans mattered little if the regular issues faced by Sabahans continue to be unresolved after decades. PETALING JAYA : Sabah Pakatan Harapan chief Ewon Benedick has rejected Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's claim that state-centric slogans like 'Sabah for Sabahans' are divisive. Ewon said he saw no issue with such slogans and sentiments used by many Sabahans, adding that he, in fact, found it patriotic, Utusan Borneo reported. 'I don't see any issue with slogans being used like 'Sabah for Sabahans', 'Sabah First', 'Sabah is Our Home' and so on. 'As long as it's aimed at fostering unity among Sabahans as well as cooperation and unity with all Malaysians, we should continue them,' the Upko president was quoted as saying. Ewon believes that local aspirations must be the foundation of any grand coalition in Sabah, but said such an alliance should not be limited to local parties. Nonetheless, he said, slogans mattered little compared with the ability of the ruling administration to resolve issues faced by Sabahans. 'I'm more inclined to focus on how our political alliances can effectively resolve the issues the people face. 'We can chant our slogans as loud as we want, but if the basic issues the people face still can't be resolved after decades, then it remains as a mere slogan,' he said. On Monday, Zahid had criticised the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment as divisive and counterproductive, arguing that maintaining close ties with the federal government was key to the state's prosperity and development. The Umno president drew backlash from Sabah deputy chief minister Jeffrey Kitingan, who said Sabah was never meant to be a subordinate state but an equal partner with Sarawak and Malaya in the federation of Malaysia. Kitingan also appeared to warn of Sabah possibly leaving the federation, saying this would ultimately be up to Sabahans.
Free Malaysia Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
‘Sabah first' policy must be built on federal-state cooperation, say Upko, PBRS
Upko president Ewon Benedick (left) and PBRS president Arthur Joseph Kurup said as members of the unity government, both parties are a 'bridge from Sabah to Putrajaya'. PETALING JAYA : The 'Sabah First' policy, which prioritises the state's interests and needs, must be pursued through effective cooperation and dialogue between the federal and state governments. Upko president Ewon Benedick and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Arthur Joseph Kurup said that while achieving this policy requires the collaboration of all local political parties, confrontation with the federal government is not the right approach, Bernama reported. Both Upko, which is part of Pakatan Harapan, and PBRS, a Barisan Nasional component, have described themselves as a 'bridge from Sabah to Putrajaya', having worked consistently with federal partners to advance key state interests, particularly on matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Upko and PBRS remain committed to fostering unity among the people of Sabah, while also contributing to the broader unity of Malaysia,' they were quoted as saying in a joint statement. Ewon and Arthur said their parties' efforts, through their respective coalitions, have resulted in positive outcomes, whereby nine MA63-related demands have been fulfilled under the current administration, while four others were addressed by the previous federal government. The two leaders also said that Upko and PBRS remain committed to pushing for the remaining MA63 demands and ensuring Sabah's priorities are reflected in the 13th Malaysia Plan. They also stressed that local aspirations must form the foundation for political negotiations in Sabah ahead of the upcoming state election. 'Local aspirations are crucial for political alliances to navigate the state election while maintaining political stability and public harmony – both essential for building a brighter future for Sabah and a stronger Malaysia,' the statement added.
