Ewon calls for tabling of anti-hopping bill at Sabah State Assembly in March

PENAMPANG - United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) vice-president Datuk Ewon Benedick yesterday proposed for the anti-party hopping bill to be tabled at the Sabah State Assembly sitting in March.

The Kadamaian assemblyman said he had submitted the proposal to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the state government as it was deemed important to create political stability in the state.

He said it was also vital to ensure that the state government formed after the 2020 state election would be able to be fully functional in carrying out all the state’s development plans for the wellbeing of the people.

"It (anti-party hopping bill) must be tabled as soon as possible at the next State Assembly sitting this March and before the next state election which has to be held in about two years’ time.

"Here in Sabah, we need political stability. If we continue to change our chief minister and the state government through SD (statutory declaration), when will we achieve political stability to develop the state and the people?” he said at a press conference here tonight.

Ewon, who is the State Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister as well as Penampang Member of Parliament, was met at the UPKO Unity Night here, which was also attended by party president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.

In his speech earlier, Ewon said he wanted all 'tompinai ko ngawi', especially those who fought with him in the party to have the courage to reprimand him when he starts leading the party as the new president tomorrow.

He said 'tompinai ko ngawi' which means "my brothers” in Kadazandusun should help keep him grounded to ensure that UPKO remains on the right track for the sake of the party and the people of Sabah.

"Tompinai ko ngawi, let’s work with me to develop the party, to fight for our beloved state and fellow Sabahans. I won't be able to do this alone without all of you, let’s do this together,” he said.

Ewon will officially take over the office of UPKO President from Madius at the 16th UPKO Triennial General Assembly here tomorrow, while Madiul will be appointed as UPKO Honorary President. - BERNAMA