Datuk Nelson W Angang
KOTA KINABALU: The decision by the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) to leave the federal government was made on the basis of principle and long-term commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Its Secretary-General, Datuk Nelson W Angang, said UPKO’s courage in making such a difficult decision reflects the party’s integrity and the strength of its convictions.
“For UPKO, when our views, voices and decisions are no longer respected, we are prepared to walk away from government, even with two years of administration remaining.
“It was not a small decision, but one made because we refuse to compromise Sabah’s rights. We are still supporting the government and respecting the King. Ewon has only resigned from the cabinet and UPKO has exited from PH,” he said when contacted today.
He was responding to comments made by an MCA leader, Pamela Yong, in a news portal earlier today.
In her statement, Pamela alleged that UPKO merely moved with the political winds and that its decision to exit the government was nothing more than theatrics.
Nelson, however, questioned whether MCA genuinely has the freedom to make its own decisions within its political coalition, or if the party merely follows the directives of other components in Barisan Nasional (BN).
“From what we have observed, MCA has rarely, if ever spoken about the 40 percent revenue entitlement owed to Sabah.
“It is very easy to criticise another party that has the courage to make firm decisions and declare ‘enough is enough’, yet MCA remains in BN despite repeatedly claiming it is not treated fairly,” he said.
Nelson added that the originating summons filed earlier successfully triggered a wave of awareness, debate and pressure from the people, urging the federal government to honour Sabah’s 40 percent revenue entitlement as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“At the very least, the legal action opened the eyes of both the public and the government. Ask the people of Sabah themselves, do they support UPKO’s courage and Datuk Ewon Benedick’s decision to leave the PH government in defence of our state’s rights?” he said.
Nelson also questioned what role MCA had played in the struggle to reclaim Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“What has MCA done to advance Sabah’s interests? UPKO has been consistent in championing MA63 since the beginning. MCA, however, complains of being sidelined in BN yet still chooses to remain,” he added.
He emphasised that UPKO’s struggle is not merely a short-term political manoeuvre but a continuous effort to ensure Sabah’s voice and rights are genuinely heard and respected.
“The courage to leave political comfort comes from principle. UPKO will continue to defend Sabah’s dignity and we are confident that the majority of Sabahans stand with us,” he stressed.
