KOTA KINABALU: Local aspirations must be the foundation of any major political coalition in Sabah, says United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
In a joint statement by the two Sabah-based parties, Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick and PBRS president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said "Upko and PBRS will continue to contribute towards unity among the people of Sabah, while also working to reinforce national solidarity."
They said both parties, which are members of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, respectively, serve as a bridge between Sabah and Putrajaya.
They also said that alongside other component parties, they advocate for key local issues, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
"The 'Sabah First' agenda requires collaboration among all political parties in the state.
"We will continue to champion the remaining MA63 demands, including the 'Sabah First' development goals under the 13th Malaysia Plan, through dialogue and cooperation with other parties in Sabah," they said.
They were responding to the unity government's recent announcement that Pakatan and Barisan would work together for the upcoming 17th Sabah Election.
