Ewon (third from right), Poh (fourth from right) and Marcus (second from left) showcase their calligraphy work at the event.
PUTATAN (Jan 26): Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick stressed that the two main focus of his leadership are to help reduce poverty in Sabah and ensuring any delayed federal projects in Sabah are implemented.
He said that Sabah is often labelled as the state with the highest poverty rate and with more than 400 federal projects still not yet implemented.
“Because of that, I opted to focus on the responsibilities given to me because I am sure the people want a focused leadership.
“I have stated that without affecting the existing focus of the ministry across the country, I only want this ministry to give additional focus to Sabah and Sarawak.
“Through the country’s Look East Policy from KUSKOP’s perspective, I want this ministry to give additional focus to Sabah and Sarawak without affecting the existing focus nationwide.”
“Entrepreneurship, cooperatives and education-related assistance will be used as platforms to lift the people of Sabah out of poverty,” he said to media members after officiating the Chinese New Year celebration in Putatan.
The event was jointly organised by the Putatan Chinese Community Welfare Association and the UTC Kota Kinabalu Senior Citizens Activity Center, at Putatan Mall here today.
Ewon, who is also the chairman of the Special Committee on Intervention, Monitoring and Coordination of Federal Government Projects, stated that he will ensure that any federal projects in Sabah that have been delayed since the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11), RMK12 and RMK13 can be implemented.
“The KPI given to me is to ensure that these projects commence, and as a minister from Sabah, I take this responsibility seriously. I chair this meeting every month to find solutions,” he said.
He also explained that one of the reasons these projects have not been implemented is due to site issues and high cost fluctuations.
Ewon, who is also the Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman, stressed that in managing development and progress, all leaders in Sabah, regardless of political affiliation, must unite for the benefit of the people.
“Many political clashes do not help Sabah. We need to focus on unity and cooperation to address poverty issues and ensure development projects can be implemented.
“That is why I will not entertain political disputes because they do not help solve the people’s problems. Who wants which position is a secondary issue — my main focus is on how to reduce the incidence of poverty in Sabah.
“I also have responsibilities within the ministry through the policies I am implementing and the duty to ensure that federal projects in Sabah that have yet to begin can be carried out.
“In the end, the people will judge whether my leadership has successfully fulfilled these responsibilities.
“I am confident that my fellow leaders from Sabah share the same focus, and I want to invite all leaders from this state, regardless of political affiliation, to unite for the people of Sabah,” he said.
Ewon, who is also United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president, added that his party and Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah are always open to discussions that benefit Sabah’s future, including government stability at the federal level and the strength of the State Government.
He added that unity and cooperation are crucial because the stability of both the state and federal governments is key to improving conditions in Sabah, including addressing poverty and development projects in the state.
Meanwhile, Ewon announced a RM3,000 contribution each from his special ministerial allocation for SRJK Hwa Shiong Putatan and Tai Pak Kung Temple Putatan.
He also presented contributions from the MP Touchpoint fund, amounting to RM5,000 each, to the Putatan Chinese Community Welfare Association and the UTC Kota Kinabalu Senior Citizens Activity Center.
Ewon approved the funding after listening to the requests made by the Chinese community in Putatan during the programme.
“I want to be part of the solution to the problems and needs of the people of Putatan.
“The responsibility for addressing their needs lies with the relevant ministries and the state government,” he said.
Regarding the celebration, Ewon expressed hope that such events would further strengthen the unity among Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious citizens.
“Malaysia is about togetherness — regional unity between the Peninsula and Borneo. If one region seeks separation, then this country will no longer exist.
“Beyond that, there is also ethnic unity. Since the beginning, Malaysia has been known as a multiracial country with diverse religions and cultural heritage. If one ethnic group separates from another, then any government in power will face difficulties in governing the nation.
“That is why we must foster unity among the people at all times — not just during Chinese New Year, but also during Hari Raya and Pesta Kaamatan,” he said.
He also appreciated the initiatives of both associations in providing welfare aid to senior citizens and those in need during the programme.
Organising chairperson Poh Wing Hiung said that they gave away angpows, rice and poultry to recipients comprising of people with cancer, those who are terminally ill and single mothers.
The event advisor, Datuk Dr Marcus Makin Mojigoh in his speech urged the government to look after the Chinese community in Putatan.
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