KUALA LUMPUR – Upko is sharpening its identity as a Sabah-centric party following its improved performance in the 17th state election, pledging to push its “Sabah First” agenda as it backs the state government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick said the party’s three assemblymen had been elected not only to serve their constituents but to “defend Sabah’s dignity and regain the state’s rights”.
He said the assemblymen had also informed Hajiji, who chairs Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), that they believed he could form a state government fully represented by local parties.
“Of course, YAB Hajiji is more than capable of determining the composition of the Sabah state Cabinet,” he said in a statement.
Upko withdrew from Pakatan Harapan (PH) days before nominations, citing unresolved disagreements with PH components over Sabah’s right to 40% of federal revenue collected from the state.
The decision did not appear to dent its support instead, the party expanded its representation from one to three seats through Ewon (Kadamaian), deputy president Donald Peter Mojuntin (Moyog) and former president Wilfred Madius Tangau (Tamparuli).
By contrast, PH secured only one seat, with its sole winner being former GRS assemblyman Jamawi Jaafar in Melalap.
Ewon, now serving his third term as Kadamaian representative, said Upko’s priority was ensuring federal–state relations reflected the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s constitutional rights.
He urged Sabahans to unite in the post-election period to build the state and collectively reclaim its rights.
“The results of this state election should serve as a lesson and preparation for the next general election, so that the ‘Sabah First’ agenda can be upheld,” he said. – November 30, 2025