KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA December 3, 2025 – Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III, who is also the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has reaffirmed his commitment to continue implementing the Sabah First vision in the ministry he leads.
He said that to achieve this vision, several key agendas will be given major focus, among them developing an investor-friendly and entrepreneur-friendly investment and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sabah, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“This must become the backbone of Sabah’s economic activity. That is Sabah First!
“We will also develop the quality of MSME products and services so that they meet domestic and international market standards and are able to compete with entrepreneurs from outside Sabah.
“In addition, we will improve the quality of services provided by the ministry and its agencies, driven by the spirit of always delivering the best, with efficient governance – we must facilitate, not frustrate, especially the Sabah MSME community. That too is Sabah First,” he said.
He said this when commencing his first official duties at the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport on Wednesday.
Earlier in the morning, Ewon attended the first meeting of the Sabah State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, following the formation of the Sabah Unity Government.
Ewon, who is also President of the United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO), said UPKO’s Sabah First political struggle is aimed at securing Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution, particularly the repayment of 40 per cent of Sabah’s revenue, which remains the core struggle of the party through the Sabah Government.
“Through this ministry, I have set the Sabah First vision of developing more Sabahans with income – whether as entrepreneurs or by working with entrepreneurs.
“Starting tomorrow, I will visit the ministry’s agencies to receive briefings and share my vision and major leadership focus,” he said.
He added that he is ready to lead the ministry and wants it to become a true Sabah First team that genuinely serves the people of Sabah.
Ewon also informed that he will allocate at least one day a week to meet stakeholders and go to the ground to engage with the MSME community and other relevant parties.
“I will also allocate at least one day a week to carry out my duties as Kadamaian State Assemblyman and Penampang Member of Parliament,” he said.
Commenting on the formation of the Sabah Unity Government, Ewon said that although he had dreamed of seeing a state government formed by local parties, he respects the wisdom of the Chief Minister in making that decision.
“This in no way extinguishes the Sabah First agenda that I and UPKO are fighting for,” he said.
