KOTA KINABALU: The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) president, Datuk Ewon Benedick, emphasised the need for practical solutions and suggestions to address the significant concerns affecting the people of Sabah, rather than mere criticism.
In this respect, he commended the endeavours of the party’s Youth Movement, which effectively organised a Youth Retreat named “People’s Aspiration Catalyst Youth” to address the concerns of the people.
“This retreat holds significant importance in delving into big issues. Apart from UPKO’s established reputation as a steadfast party, it is imperative that we are perceived as competent in providing services.
“Our political organization is also recognized as a party that upholds steadfastness; this steadfastness must be allocated its rightful position and must yield tangible outcomes and impacts.
“Henceforth, I observe the steadfastness exhibited by the supporters of the Youth Movement. I genuinely anticipate that this enthusiasm will persist not solely until the 17th state election (PRN-17), but for as long as our party endures, it is imperative to foster, nourish, and transmit this fervour to other youths,” he expressed.
He said this in his speech when officiating the UPKO Youth Retreat 2023, attended by youth representatives from all UPKO divisions throughout Sabah at the Tang Dynasty Hotel last Saturday.
Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives, said that among the agenda items of the two-day retreat were to discuss issues including strengthening the direction of the party (Strategies and Action Plans Facing PRN17), the issue of the cost of living in the new millennium economy, the demands of the Malaysia Agreement (MA63), and the re-delineation of the parliamentary constituency.
“Of course these issues are very big and need a solution, so I am confident that after two days, the youth will be able to offer something to the Supreme Council Members and the President to be used as input in the consultation table at the cabinet level, involving the government or other party partners,” he said.
In terms of the rising cost of living for the people, Ewon said, it is better for the party members to help find a solution to overcome the problem rather than just expressing dissatisfaction and blaming the government.
“In Sabah, there are eight districts classified as impoverished due to their high e-Kasih registration. The inclusion of households in the e-Kasih register is not determined by their land assets.
“I suggested the implementation of a comprehensive and enduring development program for the e-Kasih register, which includes the utilization of available land for cultivation.
“While we criticise or give critical views to the government regarding food supply in the country, UPKO, through the Youth, Women, or Young Generation Movement, must be able to offer solutions, for example, the establishment of cooperatives,” he said.
Ewon said that many parties are more inclined to criticise an issue, but relatively few express practical suggestions to overcome the problem.
“This proposed solution should be the new face of Upko. Therefore, every time we talk about something, our party must try to offer a solution so that the people see that this party has a place for them,” he said.
Regarding the 40 percent demand, Ewon said Upko Youth must be part of the solution.
“Be assured that if Upko can provide practical solutions to issues that have been delayed for almost 60 years, the people of Sabah will appreciate and remember them forever,” he said.
