KOTA KINABALU: Political debates will not benefit Sabahans, said Datuk Ewon Benedick amid a possible rift in Sabah Pakatan Harapan over his election as chairman.
Ewon, who is also United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president, said he is ready to fulfill the mandate given to him, in addition to his duties as entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister.
"I am prepared to carry out the mandate entrusted to me.
"I want to focus on what is needed by Sabah's entrepreneurs and the people of Sabah, in line with this mandate.
"I want to focus on that. I aim to minimise political debates. They do not help Sabah, they do not help Malaysia. I want to concentrate on the mandate given to me."
He said this after officiating the Robert T 1994 Lucky Draw Programme at a mall here today.
After it was reported that Ewon replaced Kota Kinabalu PKR branch chief Datuk Seri Christina Liew as Sabah PH chairman, Sabah PKR State Leadership Council secretary Sazalye Donol said the matter had yet to be resolved, hinting at a possible rift.
On his appointment as Sabah PH chairman, Ewon said it followed proper democratic procedures.
"An election was conducted and the decision was made through a process.
"I believe all parties within PH uphold democratic practices.
"Like any other election, sometimes petitions are filed and the Election Commission may need to confirm results.
"What's important is that the process has been carried out, the decision has been made and we respect that."
Yesterday, Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said although Ewon's appointment had been accepted by Sabah PH party leaders, the final decision still rests with the PH presidential council.
He said the council would deliberate on the matter, especially since there were differing views on the position.