KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Ewon Benedick, President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), has welcomed his party’s formal inclusion into the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as a significant move toward uniting Sabah’s local political forces.
He described the development as a milestone in advancing political cohesion through a coalition rooted in the state’s interests.
“This marks a new phase in our collective effort to strengthen Sabah’s political unity by bringing together parties that are homegrown and committed to the state’s aspirations,” he said.
Ewon confirmed that he had been officially notified of UPKO’s acceptance as a component party of GRS, a coalition comprising Sabah-based political groups.
“Yesterday, I received confirmation of UPKO’s official admission into the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
“I extend my gratitude to the GRS Chairman and Chief Minister of Sabah, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, as well as the members of the GRS Supreme Council, for approving our application submitted on May 29, 2026,” he stated today.
He emphasised that UPKO’s entry into GRS realigns the party with its foundational role in Sabah’s political framework.
“As UPKO’s president, I am proud to return the party to where it belongs—within a coalition of Sabah’s own political entities. This rekindles the original intent behind Malaysia’s formation under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), where regional coalitions from Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia came together as equal partners in building the nation,” he explained.
Ewon stressed that the principles of MA63 must remain central in advocating for Sabah’s rights and progress, noting that only locally rooted parties can fully grasp the state’s unique needs and ambitions.
“The vision for Sabah’s future, as outlined in MA63, can only be advanced by parties that are truly attuned to the people’s hopes.
“GRS stands as the sole coalition representing Sabah’s local parties, making it the natural home for all Sabah-based political movements,” he said.
In light of this, he called on all local parties and citizens to rally behind GRS to advance the “Sabah First” agenda and build a stronger, more united state.
“UPKO is committed to strengthening GRS so that, under the leadership of YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, we can effectively govern and develop Sabah.”
“To all the people of Sabah: let us come together under our own coalition—GRS—to realize a future of prosperity, unity, and shared purpose,” he urged.
