Ewon told Loke that he had a consistent stance on the issue which was repeatedly raised in the Cabinet, citing discussions in late 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as after the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s decision on Oct 17.

“But throughout these three years, did you defend Sabah’s 40% entitlement and demand its immediate implementation in Cabinet?

“I know the answer,” the Upko president added.

Ewon also addressed Loke’s suggestion that he should have challenged the attorney-general on the issue.

Noting that the attorney-general had attended multiple Cabinet meetings, Ewon said he had used one of the meetings to propose that a bill be tabled in Parliament on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement.

“That was my stance. But what was your stance in that meeting?” Ewon asked Loke, the transport minister.

Ewon resigned as entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister last week, citing the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ position on a High Court ruling that the federal government had acted unlawfully by failing to honour Sabah’s 40% share of the state’s net federal revenue for nearly five decades.

Loke yesterday said Ewon was “trying to project himself as a hero” by resigning, and that the Penampang MP should have fought his case in the Cabinet by challenging the prime minister and attorney-general.

“Then I will call you a hero,” quipped Loke.