KOTA KINABALU: Upko has assured its commitment to advancing the Sabah First agenda within the newly formed state government, says its president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who has been appointed as one of the three deputy chief ministers in Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s new Cabinet, said the agenda will remain central to the party’s role in the government.
“As Upko president, I will continue to carry the Sabah First agenda and ensure negotiations with the Federal Government on the 40% revenue entitlement and other related matters remain a priority for the new state administration,” he said.
Ewon, who also holds the Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry portfolio, said strengthening the entrepreneurship sector will be among his priorities to ensure Sabah’s economy continues to grow.
“Entrepreneurship is a key driver of Sabah’s economic development. I will do my very best to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to me,” he added.
Upko won three out of the 73 seats in the state assembly in the just-concluded polls – Kadamaian, Tamparuli and Moyog.
Meanwhile, Upko leaders have defended the party’s move to rejoin the GRS state government despite quitting prior to polls, saying this was necessary to ensure continuity in its struggle to champion state rights.
Acknowledging voters’ dissatisfaction over Upko’s move to rejoin the state government, its deputy president Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin called for the people to set aside their differences and come together as Sabahans.
“We realise that after the polls, there will surely be disappointment and dissatisfaction. That is normal in democracy.
“But it is time for us to move beyond campaign conflicts and personal attacks. Now is the time for us to unite, strengthen our voice and demand that Sabahans’ rights be respected and fulfilled,” said Donald in a Facebook post.
With the polls over, Donald said it is important for the state government to start work in order to pass the state budget for 2026 within a month.
“Without a budget, Sabah risks its administration coming to a standstill next year. We cannot let that happen,” he said.
