Fighting poverty and kick-starting delayed projects are top priority for Ewon

PUTATAN: Reducing poverty and ensuring the completion of some 400 delayed federal projects are Datuk Ewon Benedick’s key priorities for Sabah.

The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister said Sabah has long been labelled as having a high poverty rate, with numerous federal projects yet to commence.

“That is why I choose to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to me, because I believe the people want leadership with clear direction.

“Without compromising the ministry’s existing focus across the country, I want to provide additional attention to Sabah and Sarawak through the Domestic Look East Policy from the ministry’s perspective,” he said.

Speaking at a Chinese New Year celebration in Putatan, organised by the Putatan Chinese Welfare Society and the UTC Kota Kinabalu Senior Citizens Activity Centre on Sunday (Jan 26), Benedick stressed that entrepreneurship, cooperatives and education-related assistance will be key platforms to lift Sabahans out of poverty.

As the Special Committee on Federal Project Monitoring and Coordination chairman, he vowed to ensure that delayed federal projects in Sabah under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans are implemented.

“My KPI is to ensure that these projects commence, and as a minister from Sabah, I take this responsibility seriously.

“I chair monthly meetings to find solutions,” he said, adding that site issues and rising costs were among the main reasons for project delays.

The Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman also called on state leaders to set aside political differences for the sake of development.

“Political disputes do not help Sabah. We need to focus on unity and cooperation to address poverty and ensure development projects are carried out.

“That is why I refuse to engage in political disputes. My priority is reducing poverty in Sabah, not chasing political positions,” he stressed.

He assured that his leadership will be judged by results, particularly in improving livelihoods and delivering federal projects in the state.

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