KOTA BELUD. SABAH, MALAYSIA December 7 2025 – Kadamaian State Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick said the victory and the large majority he received in the recent State Election (PRN) do not belong to him alone, but are the victory of the entire people of Kadamaian who gave him the mandate to continue development and bring about renewal in the constituency.
The Deputy Chief Minister III, who is also Sabah’s Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the huge majority he obtained carries a clear message that the people of Kadamaian want change, a better and more organised administrative system, and improved implementation of development projects.
“This victory is not Ewon Benedick’s victory alone; this is a victory we all share, this is the victory of the people of Kadamaian.
“The big mandate that has been given comes with the responsibility to ensure that the Kadamaian Development Master Plan can be successfully implemented,” he said in his speech at the Meeting with the Kadamaian Election Machinery, held at Kadamaian Square here today.
Ewon also recorded his appreciation to more than 11,000 Kadamaian who supported him in the recent election.
“Thank you for the support throughout the campaign period. Now is not the time for campaigning, but the time to unite, work together and strengthen friendships for the sake of Kadamaian’s development.
“Our main responsibility is to fulfil the hopes of the 11,977 Kadamaian voters who gave this huge mandate with a majority of 9,672. A majority this large demands a new approach.
“The old way was good, but there is still room for improvement because the people of Kadamaian want renewal. Therefore, a new administration through the Sabah First policy will begin in Kadamaian,” he said.
Ewon said that starting January 2026, the selection of Village Heads (Ketua Kampung) and Chairmen of Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) throughout Kadamaian will be done through voting.
“If the people give a mandate to the State Assemblyman, they also have the right to decide who leads their village. This is a major reform for the sake of transparency and effective administration,” he said.
He added that the two-year term would give the people space to evaluate the performance of village leadership and replace them if they fail to fulfil the roles and responsibilities entrusted to them.
Regarding the assemblyman’s allocation, he said every village will receive an equal distribution for the implementation of small-scale projects.
“Every JKKK will receive at least RM20,000 starting next year to directly carry out village projects without involving external contractors, unless decided through an official JKKK meeting.
“The JKKK must be the implementer of village projects, not just an observer. The people must know who is carrying out the project and who is accountable,” he said.
On 18 December, Ewon will also meet all pastors or church representatives from across Kadamaian, as in previous years, to present contributions for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“As in previous years before the festive season, we will provide contributions to all churches in Kadamaian,” he said, adding that the Kadamaian Christmas and New Year Celebration will be held on 5 January 2026.
