Upko pledges full support for Hajiji, pushes for local‑party government in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 30): The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) has pledged its full support to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor to form a state government composed entirely of local parties, following the conclusion of the 17th Sabah State Election.

In a statement today, Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick said the party, through its three newly elected representatives, had conveyed to Hajiji its backing for his leadership.

Ewon also personally attended Hajiji’s swearing-in ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu at dawn.

“Upko, through our three elected candidates, supported him to become Chief Minister, and I personally attended the swearing-in ceremony. We also assured him that he could form a government entirely made up of local parties,” Ewon said, adding that the Chief Minister would have the wisdom to determine the composition of the Sabah Cabinet.

Ewon expressed the party’s gratitude to the 64,471 voters who supported Upko candidates, helping the party secure key seats across the state, retaining his seat in Kadamaian, Tamparuli with Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, and Moyog with Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin.

He said Upko representatives would not only serve their constituencies but also act as representatives for all of Sabah, defending the dignity of the people and striving to reclaim the state’s rights, particularly its 40 per cent revenue entitlement crucial for development, welfare, and the well-being of Sabahans.

“Importantly for Upko, the relationship between the state and federal governments must be grounded in the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Sabah’s constitutional rights. In managing national political stability, Sabah’s rights must be upheld,” he stressed.

Ewon added that Upko will support Hajiji’s leadership based on strengthened governance and sound principles, and urged all Sabahans to unite for the development and advancement of the state.

He also thanked Upko workers, supporters, and election officials for ensuring a smooth democratic process, saying the election results should serve as a lesson and preparation for the next general election, to ensure the Sabah First agenda is successfully implemented.