PENAMPANG: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) is steadfast in fighting for the Borneo States to be given one-third representation in Parliament.
Its President, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that the strength of UPKO, along with other parties in Sabah and Sarawak, has the political clout to further strengthen the unity government.
“Through the power of our contributions, we are determined to assert our rights, including achieving one-third representation in Parliament outside Peninsular Malaysia,” he said, adding that this was stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963.
“Fair and equitable representation is essential to ensuring that the voices and interests of all sectors of Malaysia are
effectively represented at the national level,” he said.
Ewon said this in his speech at the Convention for Zone C 2023, consisting of Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, and Putatan, here today.
He said the convention provides an important platform to showcase and highlight how UPKO, as a political party, can positively contribute to the overall progress of the nation while protecting its rights and Sabah’s interests.
He said there had been discussions in Sarawak on the issue, and he fully supported their decisions.
Speaking to reporters on the demarcation of voting areas expected to be discussed in 2025, he said it is an exercise that takes place every eight years due to population growth.
However, he emphasised the importance of ensuring fairness and inclusiveness in this process, as it has important implications for the electoral process, political representation, and the overall fairness of the democratic system.
