KOTA KINABALU: Upko has been accepted as the sixth member party of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic) said the decision was unanimous and that no party raised issues or concerns about accepting Upko, led by Datuk Ewon Benedick.
“The GRS supreme council fully agreed to accept Upko as a new member.
“Starting today, they are officially part of GRS.
“We will be formally conveying our decision to Upko,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting attended by all five component parties yesterday.
Parti Bersatu Sabah acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Parti Liberal Demokratik president Datuk Chin Su Phin, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah and Parti Cinta Sabah president Tan Sri Anifah Aman were also present at the press conference.
Hajiji said Upko’s acceptance aligns with GRS’ struggle, similar to the Sabah United and Sabah First slogans.
On whether other parties might join GRS in the future, Hajiji said, for now, it was enough.
Upko formally applied to join GRS on May 9, with Ewon stressing that the move was to strengthen local-based parties.
Upko had left the Pakatan Harapan coalition before the state election last year and contested solo, winning three state seats.
Three parties – Sabah STAR, Sabah Progressive Party and Usno – had quit GRS before and after the state polls.
