KOTA KINABALU: Upko leaders defended rejoining the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah state government despite quitting just before the Sabah polls.
They said the move was necessary to ensure continuity in championing state rights, adding that it is also to ensure the state government is truly led by Sabahans.
The party’s leaders added that GRS did not attack Upko during the 14-day campaign, unlike Warisan.
Acknowledging voters’ dissatisfaction over the decision, deputy president Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin urged locals to set aside differences.
“We realise that after the polls there will be disappointment and dissatisfaction. That is normal in democracy. However, it is time to move beyond campaign conflicts and personal attacks,” he said on Monday (Dec 1).
Donald said this was especially important among Sabahans.
“Now is the time for us to unite, strengthen our voice and demand that Sabahans’ rights be respected and fulfilled. How can we expect Sabah’s rights to be restored if we remain divided,” he said.
Donald said a state government must be formed soon to pass the 2026 Budget within a month.
“Without a state budget, Sabah risks an administrative standstill next year. We cannot let that happen,” he added.
Similarly, Penampang Upko Youth chief Billy Joe Dominic said backing GRS was necessary as it won 29 seats and Warisan won 25 seats.
“Even if every other local party supported Warisan they still cannot reach a simple majority without parties from Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
“GRS is the rightful first choice coalition to form a government as it won the most seats,” said Billy.
He said GRS did not attack Upko during the campaign.
“This made the decision much clearer for us. GRS genuinely signalled willingness to work together,” he added.
Billy, who is a special officer to Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, said Upko and Ewon were targeted by Warisan’s campaigns.
“Warisan made it clear they had no intention to work with Upko,” he said.
Sabah STAR, led by Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, recently pledged support to GRS.
It had left GRS days before nomination for the Sabah elections.
In the Sabah polls, GRS won 29 seats while Warisan won 25.
Barisan Nasional won six seats, Upko three and Sabah STAR two.
Parti KDM and Pakatan won one each and five independents won seats.
