KOTA KINABALU: Tuaran Upko has proposed that its honorary president, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, be fielded in Tamparuli (N14) and Joisin Romut in Kiulu (N15) for the upcoming 17th Sabah state election.
The proposal, made through a resolution passed during the Tuaran Upko convention 2025 on Sunday (Oct 12), was based on the division’s assessment of more than 7,000 active members, findings from attitude studies, grassroots feedback and the positive acceptance of both candidates among local communities.
Upko information chief Dr Peter Jr Naintain said the resolution reflected the confidence of the grassroots towards both leaders, who have long been active in serving the local communities.
“The members expressed strong support for Datuk Seri Madius and Joisin, believing they are capable of continuing Upko’s struggle and strengthening the party’s presence in Tuaran,” he said when met after the convention.
Dr Peter said the proposal was among several resolutions passed during the convention, adding that the final decision on candidacy would be made by the party’s central leadership.
Interestingly, both Tamparuli and Kiulu are regarded as Parti Bersatu Sabah’s (PBS) traditional strongholds, currently held by PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim in Tamparuli and Datuk Joniston Bangkuai in Kiulu.
On Saturday (Oct 11), Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick said the party was proposing to contest the coming polls using its own logo, noting that it would symbolise Upko’s renewed confidence and identity ahead of the state election.
Upko, a Pakatan Harapan component party, and PBS under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah are both Kadazandusun Murut-based parties that are part of an electoral pact facing the state election — a scenario that could test the pact’s ability to avoid overlapping claims in traditional strongholds.
